January 15, 2009
Posted: January 15th, 2009 06:38 PM ET

From
Blitzer: Tillman gave me a behind-the-scenes look at the famous aircraft.
Blitzer: Tillman gave me a behind-the-scenes look at the famous aircraft.


Watch Wolf Blitzer's interview with Air Force One pilot Col. Mark Tillman today and tomorrow in The Situation Room at 6 pm ET.

ANDREWS AIR FORCE BASE, Maryland (CNN) - Driving to this sprawling base just outside Washington, D.C. this week brought back lots of memories. Covering a president often means traveling with a president aboard this extraordinary aircraft, and as CNN's Senior White House Correspondent during the Clinton administration, I used to come here all the time to board Air Force One.

This week, I had a rare chance to catch up with Col. Mark Tillman, who's been flying the giant Boeing 747 since 1992, the final year of George H.W. Bush's presidency. He continued to fly for President Clinton’s full eight years, and became the chief pilot when President George W. Bush took office in 2001. Col. Tillman, who is now getting ready to retire, agreed to sit down with me and reflect on those years.

I interviewed him in the cockpit, where he told me some amazing stories of the presidents and the plane. He recalled flying around the country and the Gulf of Mexico on September 11, 2001, trying to come up with a safe place to land. He was emotional in recalling the heartbreak of flying over New Orleans and the Gulf coast right after Katrina hit. And he told me the story of that secret and dangerous landing in the Baghdad war zone on Thanksgiving 2003.

"It was still a very, very hot zone, was flying into Baghdad, especially without a whole lot of advance notice, was pretty dangerous," he told me. "The challenge wasn't so much to get him in there because we easily fooled everyone and got him in there. The challenge was once he was on the ground and everybody knew he was there to get him back out again."

He also took me on a tour of the plane - all the way from the cockpit and secure communications areas upstairs and the presidential bedroom downstairs in the front of the plane, though the conference room, the "hospital" on board, the senior staff and guest areas — ending with the Secret Service and press seats in the back of the plane. He also shared some largely unknown details about the aircraft. His bottom line: don't believe everything you saw in the Harrison Ford movie "Air Force One."

"Whatever the president can do in the White House, we can do at 45,000 feet," he said. "...Whatever he needs, we'll take care of it.

"...As one of the presidential pilots said years ago, he knows he's going to get the president home safely because he's got a wife and kids that he's going back home safe to," he said. "So it's the same mentality. I don't think about the president being downstairs. I know - similar to an airline pilot, I've got a lot of cherished people in the back, so I go out of my way to make sure I do everything perfectly."

Watch my interview with Tillman today and tomorrow in The Situation Room at 6 pm ET.

Filed under: Popular Posts • Wolf Blitzer


ALEX   January 15th, 2009 11:41 pm ET

Hey................ Jack do you have a job for me?

Sully for Air Force One   January 15th, 2009 11:24 pm ET

Captain Sully should be appointed as Obama's new pilot. He is a hero and the among the quickest thinking, most skilled pilots in the world.

lynne   January 15th, 2009 11:08 pm ET

Have people gone mad?

President Bush #1   January 15th, 2009 10:53 pm ET

President Bush made the hard, unpopular decisions that kept us all safe, but got him criticized in the liberal media and by a lot of immature and clueless liberal Democrats. You Dems ought to get down on your knees and thank Mr Bush for keeping you all safe, When it comes to National Security, Obama will do well to pay close attention to what Bush did ...and how he did it.

And to all the Obamabotics on here – put a cork in it. The day after 9-11. none of you would be criticizing VP Cheney for waterboarding -- you would simply sat – Do whatever it takes to keep our country safe.

Ula Nejad   January 15th, 2009 10:49 pm ET

The sensible ones retire or resign. Who wants to serve under a black president and make his nasty wife's bed? Yuks! Black America spoke up too late. Leave while you can. That new buick looks fake.

Jeff from Jersey   January 15th, 2009 10:46 pm ET

Put Bush in it a drop him without a parachute over New Orleans...or Baghdad...or Afghanistan...or Pakistan....or Iran...or North Korea...any of those places where he had the notion's best interests at heart.

9/11 happened 3/4 of the way through his first term so he had plenty of time to pay attention to the nation's best interests BEFORE that happened.

To paraphrase Laura Bush,while responndimg to a different question by Lary King still hit the nail on the head in ALL matters of this nations best interests when she said "George doesn't pay attention".

WELL SAID!NOW GET OUT OF THE PLANE WOLFF.tHERE IS STILL ONE MORE MISSION!

Breaking News   January 15th, 2009 10:41 pm ET

Dear moderator,are you and TCM the same person?Why are his rancid posts always allowed on and other credible posts always left off.It must be nice making your own news and creating so much hate.

bankrupt USA   January 15th, 2009 10:37 pm ET

Sweet nostalgia over the plane that flew over New Orleans during Katrina to watch Brownie do such a good job. Billions for Iraq and pennies for our own country.

Greg Hodges   January 15th, 2009 10:36 pm ET

The "Wolf-man" certainly gets around. He is one of the best in the business obviously; but I worry journalists sometimes get a little too close to what goes on where the average person would NEVER be allowed. How can you maintain true objectivity; when EVERYTHING in politics is SPIN,SPIN,SPIN.

Anonymous   January 15th, 2009 10:32 pm ET

Have you all forgotten the legacy of the Kennedys? Give Caroline a chance i am sure she will make a difference.

El Diablo   January 15th, 2009 10:30 pm ET

Jack 3:52 P.M. "would all you losers get off the internet and get back to work or look for a job." 3:52.....Uhhhh, what's you're excuse there Jack?

bohicasfc   January 15th, 2009 9:46 pm ET

Reading all the drivle on hear proves to me that most Americans onn here are just plain stupid and hateful. Give me a break. President Bush has made sure we have not hag another attack from Bin ladin or his friends. As far as the troubles with the economy all of Congress is to blame. All you trash talking citizens should be proud that we had a President that stood up for the thousands of Americans that bum ordered killed. We have not killed one million people in Iraq the different sects did most of it to their people with sucide attacts against women and children and their own countrymen. The Muluas(?) say go forth and kill the non belivers. But according to most of you it's our President's fault. I love my country and am proud to have served it in the NAM. So for all you people that hate I have one thing to say. I will support our new President as much as I have supported every President in my life time. I did not allways agree with their policy's but I supported then just the same. With the exception of the worst President in my life time the peanut farmer from Ga. Nice man lousy President. SFC Ray 5th SF(A Team Leader) SOG 1964 RVN

SOUTHERN HOTTIE   January 15th, 2009 9:15 pm ET

Ugg. That beard! Wolf get rid of it. Didn't you get the memo Bill Richardson got?

Shave it off please. You will look less like a sycophant and more like a journalist.

Farrell, Houston, Tx   January 15th, 2009 6:34 pm ET

Wolf's interview is with the pilot and about the pilot of Airforce One and it's all printed in simple English so we don't need a translator.

boered1   January 15th, 2009 6:32 pm ET

this is NEWS!?!

Come on CNN TRY JUST TRY to actually be a NEWS organization if only for a day, no stories about interior decorating, or the nifty new Presidential Limo or how cool Air Force 1 is! I know you have to get all REAL news approved by your controllers and the liar hillary ahs been busy lately but TRY PLEASE

LM75   January 15th, 2009 6:29 pm ET

Bush is arrogant, hardheaded, and not too bright. Probably worst president in past 100 years.

California Gold   January 15th, 2009 6:19 pm ET

I think interviewing any of the pilots would be fascinating. Aircraft is interesting and has a cool factor. No doubt about it. But talking to the pilots and crew and listening to their stories would be fascinating!

complements   January 15th, 2009 4:29 pm ET

why didn't these losers that think they are better than Bush, run for president?

Josh   January 15th, 2009 4:29 pm ET

No camera crews are allowed in the sensitive areas of the aircraft. Secondly, Air Force One is the only one of it's kind and as such, NOTHING is stock on it. Specs are not only unpublished but kept secure. Thirdly, I'm sure no one, much less wolf Blitzer, would be allowed to film or see anything that would jeopardize the safety and security of our president.

BIGDAN   January 15th, 2009 4:27 pm ET

It is a grand bird and fits the profile of America with the greatest of honor.

This is a symobal of America and what it can do/////

BigDan

ps no matter who Rides in it.....

Chris in Minnesota   January 15th, 2009 4:26 pm ET

Why is it that the majority of the comments have nothing to do with the story? Ah, you must have not all read, instead just wish to chirp.

You should read the interview with the pilot, it is short, but pretty interesting. I'm sure he could go more in depth his descriptions, but that man has one important job, there's a lot of weight on those shoulders.

Griff   January 15th, 2009 4:25 pm ET

Migration! Every Pilot. But Most "Every Air-LIne". You have Computers... Birds have to Fly.!!!

lynn   January 15th, 2009 4:24 pm ET

CNN is a sell out. MSNBC is my channel now. Not sure why everyone feels this requires a negative comment, either side. Its just a freaking plane!!

jack   January 15th, 2009 3:52 pm ET

would all you losers get off the internet and get back to work or look for a job.

Charlize   January 15th, 2009 3:51 pm ET

I agree with others in that Blitzer, Cafferty and Cooper are BY FAR the very best of CNN. I also like Rick Sanchez (until he starts speaking Spanglish, sort of to show off he's fully bilingual, but to me he sounds like a moron when he does that). Today, Blitzer is number one at CNN IMO, and Cafferty makes his show very interesting and fun. Great reporting, keep up the excellent work!

Marshall   January 15th, 2009 3:46 pm ET

Steve (the real one) and Jeff,

You guys are right on. Why do we alway turn everything into a playground argument of name calling adn finger pointing. I wish we could all act our ages.

Marshall

Thank you President Bush   January 15th, 2009 3:45 pm ET

God Bless President Bush for keeping us all safe after the 9-11 attacks. You performed the most important aspect of your job with honor and with efficiency, and all Americans should applaud and thank you.

We can only hope and pray that President Elect Obama performs equally well in keeping us safe.

Jean, CANADA   January 15th, 2009 3:42 pm ET

Isn't this a secutity risk??? There are just some things the public shouldn't know!!!

Erik from Real Pennsylvania   January 15th, 2009 3:34 pm ET

What's up with all this anti-Blitzer talk? He's one of the last true news anchors on television, one who does not tell us how HE feels about an issue or event, nor how WE should feel about it, simply report ing the event occured. Are you all so brainwashed by the split-screen talking heads yelling at each other, that you've forgotten what real journalism looks like?

Bob   January 15th, 2009 3:34 pm ET

If it was really a security risk, they wouldn't have let him do the interview!!

Johnny the Boy   January 15th, 2009 3:20 pm ET

Air Jamaica Pilot

I have friends who are serving the US as fighter pilots in hot spots all over the world. Your comments insinuate that any US combat pilot who is shot down while performing dangerous service for the US is incompetent.

At least McCain had the courage to fly into those active combat zones just like all the combat pilots before him and since.

How many SAMs have you avoided in you flights into Jamaica?

Outspoken   January 15th, 2009 3:10 pm ET

THANKS, JEFF!! It's nice to know that there are some Obama supporters with a sense of civility who are filled with hate.

vedastus   January 15th, 2009 3:03 pm ET

I can't wait to see Mr PRESIDENT OBAMA using this Air force one
Good luck Mr PRESIDENT

dumas mcgee   January 15th, 2009 2:54 pm ET

Proud American continues his "I can say hateful things while those who disagree with me" desires.

al landers   January 15th, 2009 2:53 pm ET

I share the same sentiments vic. Wolf,jack and anderson are my persons at cnn. Would break the traffic lights sometime to make sure I get home in time for the shows lol."HAPPENING NOW" lol.

DH Mid MI   January 15th, 2009 2:52 pm ET

Too Bad Wolf that you'll be a repeat.......Fox News did it weeks ago.

arc, Lugano CH   January 15th, 2009 2:51 pm ET

Gary Oldman stole the show in Air Force 1. But he was even better in "The Professional" – however you can't beat the original "Leon".

dontforgetthepast   January 15th, 2009 2:50 pm ET

"Whatever the president can do in the White House, we can do at 45,000 feet"...so for Clinton, I guess they had a supply of interns next to a ample supply of Big Macs next to a big bag of weed.

Franky   January 15th, 2009 2:41 pm ET

Cool...

That's where I'm gonna be when I become president and revive the GOP...

Steve (the real one)   January 15th, 2009 2:38 pm ET

Steve/TCM/Proud American,
Why would the plane need fumigating? This is a sad commentary on disrespect fo rour leadership and soon to be leadership! Some of you dislike Bush (some hate) and some dislike (and hate) Obama. Our government has provided that right but God will judge Idol words! Have a nice day!

sam ramezani   January 15th, 2009 2:36 pm ET

i am so glad the stupidest man in this country finaly is gone after getingy one million iraquis killed just for rich people and desroyed this country. with his lies.

god is punishing us.we are going to be in a hard time for a long time.
this is what happens when you have a murderer as your president.

good luck to all.

Lois, Ont., Canada   January 15th, 2009 2:31 pm ET

I can hardly wait 'til' 4P.M., local time to see The situation Room. When Wolf Blitzer & Jack Cafferty were away over the holiday season, I was 'lost!' What a thrill it would be to see inside Air Force One. "Way to go, Wolf"

Nick - West Hills (L.A.), CA   January 15th, 2009 2:27 pm ET

Fumigation schedule as follows:

Jan 19, 2009. That's it.

Obama will be using this aircraft for 8 years.

After him, another Democrat will be.

Except for possible use during state funerals of Republican ex-Presidents, don't expect to see any Republican Presidents boarding this aircraft.

The term "Republican President" is soon to become an oxymoron.

As it should be.

JAE   January 15th, 2009 2:25 pm ET

Hey Steve:
You're the south end of a skunk, right where the hole is.

Veronica   January 15th, 2009 2:22 pm ET

TMC...you are an idiot

Steve   January 15th, 2009 2:20 pm ET

It will become an enlightened plane once President Elect Obama steps on it and takes over for George Bush.

Rave   January 15th, 2009 2:18 pm ET

Isn't it a security risk to publicly display Air Force One to entire world?
Find some real news.

1/20/13   January 15th, 2009 2:18 pm ET

Smart for Col.Tillman to retire before he has to fly that incoming family around......I cant remember there names though

Air Jamaica Pilot   January 15th, 2009 2:17 pm ET

McCain would love to fly that plane so he can crash it!

Capital Insider   January 15th, 2009 2:12 pm ET

Where is "Welcome to the Obama Show"? I bet CNN has been blocking their comments, although up until recently they'd only publish those comments that rile people up. All of the well thought out ones never got published. In fact, I doubt this one will and get left in "awaiting moderation" limbo forever.

Come on CNN publish REAL NEWS and well thought out comments, stop be sensationalists and doing the opposite.

Jeff   January 15th, 2009 2:11 pm ET

I'm not a Bush fan. I voted for Obama, but why make negative comments when there was really no need to? Politics should be a spirited exchange of ideas rather than personal attacks. Fumigating the plane after Bush is gone? My guess is that those who share this opinion were staunchly defending Pres. Clinton during the Monica days. These same people were highly offended when jokes were made about the "oral office." Those comments were out of line as well. The politics of hypocrisy needs to stop now.

Tariq   January 15th, 2009 2:06 pm ET

Cool stuff..Wolf gets to see inside of Air force one...Its worth it being a senior Ancor of CNN.

TCM   January 15th, 2009 2:03 pm ET

oops...2013...my bad!

TCM   January 15th, 2009 2:03 pm ET

yes, it will be fumigated on Jan 19, 2012.

Nice Girl   January 15th, 2009 2:02 pm ET

I can't wait to see Barack stepping off Air Force One......Rudy Guliani, that's your president. HA HA HA

Freeman   January 15th, 2009 1:52 pm ET

Why didn't you just land the darn thing in New Orleans ?

Proud American   January 15th, 2009 1:51 pm ET

Be nice Steve, but I agree.

vic   January 15th, 2009 1:49 pm ET

I LOVE Wolff Blitzer – he and Jack Cafferty and Anderson Cooper are my favorite CNN reporters. I never miss their shows.

BB   January 15th, 2009 1:48 pm ET

So what? That makes the Blitzer ego even bigger, but it's a non-news story. BFD !!!

Matt   January 15th, 2009 1:47 pm ET

Kewl. Put up some pictures!!!

Jackie in Dallas   January 15th, 2009 1:47 pm ET

I wonder if this constitutes a breach of security by allowing the filming of sensitive areas? Wolf, tell me you didn't take an entire camera crew with you! I don't think I want possible enemies, both external OR internal, knowing that much about Air Force One!

Anonymous   January 15th, 2009 1:46 pm ET

I honestly cannot understand why anyone would want to be interviewed by Wolf Blitzer! I turn off CNN when he is on as I cannot stand his monotone!!!

Danny in Chicago   January 15th, 2009 1:40 pm ET

Blitzer is a joke and a sell out.

Steve   January 15th, 2009 1:38 pm ET

Just curious if the plane will be fumigated on January 19th?

Shirley in California   January 15th, 2009 1:30 pm ET

It makes one question: why is he all of a sudden retiring now?

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