Pelosi Wants To Fly High (On The Hog)!!

The illustrations shown here are of a Gulfstream GIII aircraft, the type that the government has offered to our new Speaker of the House, Nancy Pelosi. Contrary to what was indicated (either by her or her staff), this plane seats 10 people, cruises at 460 knots, and has a range of 3700 nautical miles...it can fly coast to coast!

Even though she denies it, Nancy Pelosi is demanding a USAF 757 for her personal use, according to several news sources. A plane of this size and configuration is used by VP Cheney, but never before has been afforded the use by a Speaker of the House.

Mrs. Pelosi's request is not new for a speaker, who is second-in-line in presidential succession. A defense source said the speaker's regular access to a military plane began after the September 11, 2001, attacks. Rep. J. Dennis Hastert, Illinois Republican, who was speaker at the time, started using U.S. Air Force planes for domestic travel to and from his district for security reasons. Sources said Mrs. Pelosi's request goes beyond what Mr. Hastert received. The speaker's legal counsel is spearheading the talks.

An aide to Mrs. Pelosi, who asked not to be named, confirmed several days ago that discussions are ongoing with the administration. "It would be done for security reasons," said the aide, adding that the speaker has used military aircraft for at least one trip back to San Francisco.

As I stated above, the government has offered her a Gulfstream GIII type commuter jet. Her saying she needs a larger plane to fly coast to coast (Washington D.C. to San Francisco) without stopping, does not hold water. The range for the GIII is 8 to 9 hours of flight time. It can fly the complete trip without refueling.

This corporate jet is regarded as the epitome of luxurious private aircraft, offering passengers a combination of comfort and performance. Refer to the link to the following website : http://www.chartright.com/guide/chartright.swf
for more details.

What are your thoughts on her request? In a time where we are supposed to be thrifty, trying to reduce our costs (and the national debt), should she be seeking a large jet to take her back and forth across the country? Seems like what she's been offered is quite nice, and fits her needs.