http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/02/09/53149.aspx Congressional leaders never seem to learn that PR flaps happen because of appearances and that arguments based on process often fall on deaf public ears.  Senate GOP leader Mitch McConnell made his party look obstructionist the other day when heen-USCommunityServer 2.0 (Build: 60608.1)http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/02/09/53149.aspx#53187Fri, 09 Feb 2007 15:09:17 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:53187Steve Turner Cedar Falls IowaAnd once again the GOP and this blog, have failed to remember Ronald Reagan's Air Force One, sitting on the runway, waiting for exact departure time specified by the First Lady's Guru, Madame Quigley. Despite a heated protest from Donald Regan, Nancy was adamant that the Zodiac, as divined by Quigley, would be the decider of the take-off, and not, in her opinion, the rather mundane and certainly less magicke scheduling, put out by the Airport.http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/02/09/53149.aspx#53198Fri, 09 Feb 2007 15:16:08 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:53198Carrie, NW IowaWouldn't it be great if the GOP members of Congress who blasted Pelosi for this request apologized, given that the request didn't even come from her OR her office? I won't hold my breath. http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/02/09/53149.aspx#53209Fri, 09 Feb 2007 15:22:33 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:53209mikeeg,abdn,warepub appointee House Sargent at Arms request airplane capable of non-stop capable plane for #3 in line of succession to presidency and war mongering right wing extremist lie about it, trying to divert attention from real life problems of america, so whats new about that? That is normal response from extremist right wing. http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/02/09/53149.aspx#53228Fri, 09 Feb 2007 15:35:59 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:53228kathleen, glastonbury,ctmikeeg: the better question is, why does the alleged "liberal media" buy into it, time after time after time? http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/02/09/53149.aspx#53231Fri, 09 Feb 2007 15:42:21 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:53231Rufus Gibbons, Kennett, Mo.I am not sure about the reason for this republican outcry over the plane. Is it because she is a democrat or because she is a woman?http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/02/09/53149.aspx#53251Fri, 09 Feb 2007 16:01:51 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:53251MMRufus-I think the answer is "both". I still think all of the GOP's panties are in a bunch that she is third in line to the presidency.http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/02/09/53149.aspx#53260Fri, 09 Feb 2007 16:09:17 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:53260Amy B Portland, MEIts called swift boating, a staple in the Republican play book for knocking down Democratic opponents. In Pelosi's case, the Rovians highlighted her mode of travel and concocted a controversy in order to paint her as a hypocritical elitist. The issue was never what kind of ride she should have, it was all about manipulating the public's perception of the Democratic Speaker. Pure and simple character assasination. I think we are all finally catching on to how this works, after six years under Rovian rule.http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/02/09/53149.aspx#53271Fri, 09 Feb 2007 16:18:36 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:53271Robert Catalano, Salem, ORThis whole flap is mere diversion from the real issues at hand: boys marrying braindead boys who are in a coma because they used unsafe prescription drugs from other countries and are about to have their machines turned off before Bill Frist makes a long-distance diagnosis.http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/02/09/53149.aspx#53275Fri, 09 Feb 2007 16:23:06 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:53275Steve Turner Cedar Falls IowaRufus. Maybe it's because she's a Clinton.http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/02/09/53149.aspx#53277Fri, 09 Feb 2007 16:23:38 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:53277Dawn, somewhere in KansasRufus, how about it's both (democrat and a woman). The republicans just can't get over the fact that in November, the people in the United States told them that we didn't like the way they played games with the issues and concerns that were/are important to us. We told them in no uncertain terms to take their marbles and go home. They are still pouting and acting like little three and four years old who don't get their way. So anything they can make a big deal out of they will. It's time for everybody to start acting like adults and start working for the people again. Enough of these non-issues. We will remember come November 2008.http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/02/09/53149.aspx#53300Fri, 09 Feb 2007 16:41:03 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:53300Citizen of Rome (post Julius)Kathleen: I'll say it again: If this country had a "liberal media," they'd have been a little curious about two stolen elections and a fraud of a war. The heads of GOP Congressman would line Pennsylvania Ave and Bush/ Cheney would get the Benito treatment.http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/02/09/53149.aspx#53310Fri, 09 Feb 2007 16:52:02 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:53310John SF CASteve, Nancy Pelosi is not the President. I seem to remember Bill Clinton getting a $300 haircut while sitting aboad Airforce One on the tarmack with the engines running. Either way Reagan and Clinton were Presidents of the most powerful nation in the world that I can and do accept. Nancy is not, she can take the same plane that every other Speaker has had. I like Nancy Ialways vote for her but I strongly disagree with her on this issue. I can't see how she would even make this argument putting a plane of that size in the sky and all of the fuel. With Global Warming facing us and it's a real issue despite what the crazy neocons preach I think she needs to set a better example. Aside from a President I don't think any of our politicians deserve something like that esecially something that adds to the Global Warming. Plus it just adds to the fire and gives the Reps something else to gripe about. http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/02/09/53149.aspx#53316Fri, 09 Feb 2007 16:56:24 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:53316Mark Y; Westlake Village, CAKathleen, perhaps the "liberal media" buys into it all the time because it isn't "liberal". If it were, we would have had better info on pre-war intelligence, Plame outing, energy policy, etc. http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/02/09/53149.aspx#53318Fri, 09 Feb 2007 16:57:43 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:53318Richard, St. LouisIt's all about politics. They don't care about the costs or we wouldn't be spending a billion dollars a day on the war. In today's warped media world, they saw this as a chink in the armor and thought they'd take a shot. They were hoping the swift boat gears would start moving and the media would repeat what was said instead of REPORT THE FACTS.http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/02/09/53149.aspx#53323Fri, 09 Feb 2007 17:02:58 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:53323John Doe, The Peanut GalleryCarrie, NW Iowa = Heck, I'd settle for the folks on this forum who were making uncalled for and rude statements about Pelosi in yesterday's threads admitting that they were out of line. I, likewise, will not be holding my breath.http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/02/09/53149.aspx#53335Fri, 09 Feb 2007 17:11:33 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:53335Mike, Dover, DEWhy has the Media not pivked up on the fact that her retort was that she is only looking for the same treatment htat a male counterpart woudl receive? When did the airplane argument become a gender issue?http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/02/09/53149.aspx#53338Fri, 09 Feb 2007 17:13:06 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:53338Tom, Washington D.C.I think everyone is missing the point. It is an airplane, it is a means of transportation, not earth shatering legislation or decision making. Why does everything that happens, or is requested, or is needed portrayed so it makes one PARTY or the other PARTY look bad?http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/02/09/53149.aspx#53344Fri, 09 Feb 2007 17:19:04 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:53344Al, Burlington, KSTo paraphrase Clinton, "It's the perception, stupid." Face it, the Republicans won this round. No matter who asked for the plane, no matter what Hastert was allowed, the politics of perception is done. It is sad that, while Bush fiddles, the Republicans have grabbed such a worthless issue to pursue, but that's politics. The "Pelosi and the Plane" issue will linger through the '08 election, like it or not.http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/02/09/53149.aspx#53389Fri, 09 Feb 2007 18:09:28 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:53389Thomas, CAPost 9/11, the GOP saw fit to require these measures to provide security, since the Speaker of the House is in the line of succession. Of course, now that the Speaker is Democrat and a woman, the GOP sees no need for such security. I guess we can expect some new Defense Department regulations requiring her to wear a target on her back. http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/02/09/53149.aspx#53399Fri, 09 Feb 2007 18:20:34 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:53399J. Merle Stanley, Westchester, NYProbably BOTH Rufus. It's absolutely APPALING to the degree of obscenity, that the republicans, who have cried out so vehemently about national security in the wake of 911, would make a political issue of this. I wonder now, just how petty they can truly be, and to what level they would stoop for the purpose of political gain. This is just atrocious.http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/02/09/53149.aspx#53407Fri, 09 Feb 2007 18:29:59 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:53407rickCarrie, I agree it would be great to see some apologies from GOP Congressional members. However, I can also say the same about some of yesterday's posters. Jtb, "Another Non Working Dem", "A Loyal Dem", Ram Jam, Jon Stogion, adn Leon Mauno all made a big point telling us how terrible the Speaker is. Now that we know it was the REPUBLICAN Sergeant-At-Arms that did this, I don't see any posts from them today. What gives?http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/02/09/53149.aspx#53416Fri, 09 Feb 2007 18:38:37 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:53416jjgmsRufus: It is neither that she is a Democrat, nor that she is a woman. It is because THEY are Republicans who, similar to the past 6 years, do not have any ideas, do not know how to produce meaningful legislation and who are sell-outs to the president and special interests. Pathetic.http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/02/09/53149.aspx#53432Fri, 09 Feb 2007 18:49:11 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:53432Carl J. Kotheimer, Hudson, OHWhile the whole flap is silly, given that the request was for a non-stop aircraft, not a big aircraft ... What is the security risk of landing a military aircraft at a military base to pick up military fuel to continue the military flight to San Francisco?http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/02/09/53149.aspx#53435Fri, 09 Feb 2007 18:50:37 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:53435Carl J. Kotheimer, Hudson, OHWhile the whole flap is silly, given that the request was for a non-stop aircraft, not a big aircraft ... What is the security risk of landing a military aircraft at a military base to pick up military fuel to continue the military flight to San Francisco?http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/02/09/53149.aspx#53457Fri, 09 Feb 2007 19:25:33 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:53457Tom, Boston MAKathleen, I think the reason that the liberal media picks up on it is because its such a good laugh. This story is only news because the conservatives are blowing themselves red in the face trying to make an issue out of this. It highlights how sad their predicament is that they need to grasp at this in order to do it.http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/02/09/53149.aspx#53460Fri, 09 Feb 2007 19:26:02 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:53460Larry LWrong to all of you! I'm a Liberal Democrat but I have a problem with what she's doing. She's not Reagan, or Clinton or even Stupid George. She's not the President she should have to fly like everyone else has done. Not to mention the kind of effect a jet that size has on our already expending problem of global warming. http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/02/09/53149.aspx#53464Fri, 09 Feb 2007 19:34:01 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:53464Jim W., Temecula, CAAs I understand it the Speaker has been offered the plane Rep. Hastert used, a USAF C-20 (aka Gulfstream III). That plane has a range in excess of 4,000 nautical miles. From DC it's about 2,500 miles as the crow flies, albeit airplanes don't take the same route as crows. Allowing for fuel reserves (in case SFO or Reagan are socked in) and the prevailing western wind on the way to SFO should still leave room for a non-stop flight in most cases. I'm anything but a Nancy P. fan. But given her role, she probably rates transportation that minimizes inconvenience. Give her the big bird . . .http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/02/09/53149.aspx#53477Fri, 09 Feb 2007 19:45:51 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:53477MMNancy said that she would rather fly commercial than go through all of this, but it was the Sergeant- At-Arms that requested this. I keep wondering if the republicans told the Sergeant to do this so they could start slandering our speaker of the house as soon as possible, especially since they couldn't make a connection between Pelosi and the mayor who was having an affair in San Fran(you know those bad family values that everyone in san fran must have). I bet that there is another story about Nancy in the next couple of weeks that the repubs dream up. (Nancy Pelosi eats vegetables...what does that say for the support she gives the ranchers of the country, next on Fox news!!)http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/02/09/53149.aspx#53489Fri, 09 Feb 2007 19:59:44 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:53489Daniel DiRito, Denver, ColoradoSee a tongue-in-cheek visual of "Nancy's Flight Of Fancy"...here: http://www.thoughttheater.com/2007/02/nancys_flight_of_fancy.phphttp://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/02/09/53149.aspx#53521Fri, 09 Feb 2007 20:32:21 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:53521!Carl - The whole "flap" isn't silly. It was a put up job by some loathsome "lawmakers" in an attempt to have the country talk about anything except what a spineless, purile, self-serving herd of slimy cretins that they are. Or the war they started at the behest of a.....wait for it Dan....really, really intelligent lesser ape (and his corporate criminal VP). They started blasting slander without looking into it, or deliberately ignored the facts - sort of explains how we got into Iraq. I don't know why the skin of Republicans doesn't try to run away from them.http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/02/09/53149.aspx#53530Fri, 09 Feb 2007 20:40:52 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:53530CJIf Pelosi was savvy enough she'd go on all the news outlets and squash the rumor once and for all. I'd even suggest Leno or Letterman. Until then Repubs have used sexist tactics to smear her, even my GF thinks Pelosi was being a excessive and she barely watches the news (she got it from E!). Democrats best learn how to counteract swift boating and stop letting the conservative echo chamber of TV, radio, blogs prevail.http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/02/09/53149.aspx#53548Fri, 09 Feb 2007 21:01:26 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:53548I voted for Jimmy Carter"Nancy said that she would rather fly commercial than go through all of this." Yeah I'm sure she didn't want to fly in an airplane with her very own private bedroom conference room etc. etc. WOW! Gosh so she really is a good person she was just put in that situation she didn't want any of that...uuooamphh I feel like I could throw up with how naive the liberal mind is ...when it comes to defending people they think actually care about them and not about power or a 747.http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/02/09/53149.aspx#53556Fri, 09 Feb 2007 21:09:22 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:53556CJDo any of you understand that she didn't make the actual a request for a larger plane (the extravagant points being lies)....or is it just fun to ignore the facts and post snide remarks. Answer that and atleast you'd be honest. No wonder Bush got elected twice.http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/02/09/53149.aspx#53574Fri, 09 Feb 2007 21:26:30 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:53574John B, Des Moines, IAJim W, the government and all the media outlets are saying the C-20 can't make the west coast transcontinental flight in one hop. Maybe it's spec'd with smaller fuel tanks than a typical civilian Gulfstream III, I don't know. I voted for Jimmy, typical conservative response to belittle and make fun of people instead of contributing something of value. How naive is the conservative mind to think the impeachment of Bill Clinton wasn't about hatred and partisan advantage, Newt Gingrich is a paragon of intellect and morality, and GW never knew Jack Abramoff?http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/02/09/53149.aspx#53598Fri, 09 Feb 2007 21:55:21 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:53598Carrie, NW IowaI wonder if some of the people commenting here have actually read anything about this other than the comments made by the Republicans and attributed to Pelosi. I highly doubt it, because they just don't seem to get that Pelosi didn't ask for anything. I fail to see how a request by the Republican Sergeant-At-Arms for a non-stop plane for the Speaker of the House somehow translates into "Nancy Pelosi is a spoiled, extravagant princess who wants to ruin the environment and rip off the taxpayers." It's really sad that when the truth behind the spinis revealed, people don't have the decency or courtesy to admit they were wrong. I guess they take their cues from their president. http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/02/09/53149.aspx#53599Fri, 09 Feb 2007 21:57:50 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:53599Jimmy CarterJohn B what's goog for the goose....please you guys are the worst with your hate mongering and shrill screaming about stolen elections and defeatist attitudes like the war is over we losthttp://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/02/09/53149.aspx#53634Fri, 09 Feb 2007 22:42:14 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:53634MMI voted for Jimmy Carter-Try watching the news, Nancy NEVER asked for this plane, the repubs did, and then they throw a tissy fit about it. Get YOUR facts straight before you try to twist mine.http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/02/09/53149.aspx#53654Fri, 09 Feb 2007 23:06:57 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:53654John B, Des Moines, IAJimmy, my record speaks for itself. As does yours.http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/02/09/53149.aspx#53740Sat, 10 Feb 2007 06:47:40 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:53740Steve Turner Cedar Falls IowaJohn SF. As a pure Independent, I think all these worthless Politicians, from Dubya on down, should be given Hang Gliders, if they want to Fly someplace so damn bad. And make them ALL wear diapers...for our sake.http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/02/09/53149.aspx#53802Sat, 10 Feb 2007 16:43:23 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:53802Jane, Southern MississippiShe needs a plane, and if the Republicans wanted her to have a bigger one than Hastert, why are they complaining? If I were her, when I got whatever plane I was allowed to have, I'd paint it pink.http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/02/09/53149.aspx#53811Sat, 10 Feb 2007 17:25:49 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:53811Ken, SeattleMike, Dover DE. You ask "When did this become a gender issue?". I think this whole thing is kind of funny. I think it is "airplane envy". An airplane is kind of phallic. The thought that a woman will have a bigger one makes them feel inadiquate.http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/02/09/53149.aspx#53860Sat, 10 Feb 2007 20:13:52 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:53860Steve Turner Cedar Falls IowaKen. Maybe Nancy should ask for a Zeppelin.http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/02/09/53149.aspx#54203Sun, 11 Feb 2007 18:47:27 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:54203Ed Remember this the Gulfstream III can fly 4K miles when going EAST not WEST eastbound it has the advantage of tailwinds and can save fuel going west it has to fly against the JETSTREAM and burns more fuel. I talked to my uncle a certifed pilot type certifed on a Gulfstream 3 and it WILL NOT make it from Washington DC to San Fransisco nonstop unless the weather is perfect. As to the pervios post that it is only 2500 miles DC to San Fransico what map are you looking at it is 3600 miles. I for one would not want a short reserve if I was the #2 in line to suceed the president. The 757 is a larger aircraft however but there is another option that is not been mentioned yet there is a new model 737 out that has a 6000 mile range and would be perfect for what is needed but I do not think we have any of them yet.http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/02/09/53149.aspx#54299Mon, 12 Feb 2007 01:03:29 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:54299Ken, Seattle WAI like the zeppelin idea Steve. That'll show 'em who's boss.http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/02/09/53149.aspx#54640Mon, 12 Feb 2007 20:51:20 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:54640USAF pilot, Abilene, TXEd, There are actually THREE versions of the Gulfstream in service with the USAF. The G-III is the C-20B. There is also the G-IV (C-20H) and the G-V (C-37A). The G-V costs about $10K per hour less to operate than the 757 (C-32A), and actually has a longer range than the 757. The G-IV has a range of around 4,800 miles, and can make it coast to coast. West-bound G-IIIs can make it from ADW to SFO, except only in the worst of headwind conditions. Even if it did have to stop...what's wrong with stopping at an Air Force base? Just FYI, the 737 IS in service with the USAF, as the C-40. Andrews AFB has 2 C-40Bs currently in service.http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/02/09/53149.aspx#54645Mon, 12 Feb 2007 20:56:52 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:54645USAF pilot, Abilene, TXBy the way, Ed...you are wrong about the distances between ADW and SFO. It's about 2100 nautical miles (2400 and change statute miles) between the two, straigh line. Routing would increase that a little, but not by much.http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/02/09/53149.aspx#54764Tue, 13 Feb 2007 01:13:04 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:54764EdUSAF find that milage hard to beleive I am a OTR trucker and have made that run many times and I was paid 3400 miles BOOK miles and hub mileage was at 3600 and that was straight line routes yes great circle would be closer but not much. I for one however am sick an tired of the discusson of this issue. If Hastert was issued a plane because he was the Speaker of the house then Nancy needs the same courtsey issued to her because she is the Speaker of teh Houase and is #2 to suceed the President if anything happens.http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/02/09/53149.aspx#54950Tue, 13 Feb 2007 15:15:10 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:54950USAF pilot, Abilene, TXThen Pelosi can fly the C-37, which is a G-V and has longer range than the requested 757. It also has a cheaper DOC (Direct Operating Cost)...the 757 costs over $17,000 an hour (per Air Force), versus the C-37 which costs a little over $7,000 an hour. By the way...your mileage is quite likely ROAD mileage. I ran flight planning software and got my numbers from that. It's very accurate, considering we base our fuel planning from that program. I'm glad you feel that being a trucker allows you to know more about flight planning distances than someone who's flown Learjets and C-130s for 10 years.