I was flying out of Manassas VA (HEF) Thursday evening and the Governor of Oklahoma arrived in a Beach Super King Air 350. She is in town with other governors for a National Governors Conference. That model of King Air seems like a sensible aircraft with the ability to move a team of people across the state into smaller fields and across the country when needed.

I live in Virginia and I know at one time we had an early model Citation.

This got me to wondering, what are other Governors flying these days?

Ohio used to have a Kingair Alaska had a jet but Sarah Pailin sold it off

Arnold used his own private jet when he was governor of CA.

Doug Ducey flies AA quite a bit. Not sure if they still have a private A/C or not.

Here's the fleet for the State of Tennessee:

N110EC - 2007 King Air 350
N910EC - 2004 Cessna208
N510EC - 1984 Cessna 182
N310EC - 1988 Baron58
N210EC - 1984 King Air 90
N10EC - 1985 King Air 200

There are 6 full time pilots (one opening!) according to the state.

Illinois has/had a King Air or two. Also, IDOT uses 206s or something similar for survey work among other things I'm sure. Not sure what the total fleet count for the state is or even if any of it has survived budget cuts.

Rick Scott sold off the Florida executive aircrafts in 2011. They had a King Air 350 and a Citation Bravo, and even keep a detailed log of the aircraft movements all the way back to 2004: http://www.dms.myflorida.com/busines...istance/former_aircraft_operations

The governor of PR flies commercial. His status as a governor of a commonwealth with autonomy was noted when we landed in SJU from ORD. The AA 737 was surrounded by suburbans and Jeep Liberty's of Puerto Ricos State police who is in charge of his protection. He was with his family in Main Cabin Extra after a visit to Washington and ChicsgoThe cabin crew was unaware of his presence. When I asked a flight attendant to take a picture of the governor and I, she was baffled. Afterwards the purser went up to him and introduced herself, apologized for not being aware of him and asked if he needed anything. He's a very easygoing guy so he was very lowkey throughout the flight but many passengers did say hi and exchanged a few words with him.

Pennsylvania:

N81PA - 1999 King Air 300
N83PA - 1981 Navajo

Surprisingly conservative fleet given the bloated condition of the PA state government.

In New Mexico, Gov. Martinez sold the Cessna Citation Bravo jet bought by the previous administration. Last I read she gets around in the state's 2006 King Air turboprop for regional flying.

Quoting Alasizon (Reply 3): Doug Ducey flies AA quite a bit.

Yes, he does. However, the state of Arizona (DPS, ADOT) has about 10 turboprop aircraft that the governor can use for regional travel outside of TUS and FLG.

DPS recently received two of these interesting birds from the DoD.

Quoting Aeroflot001 (Reply 7): The governor of PR flies commercial. His status as a governor of a commonwealth with autonomy was noted when we landed in SJU from ORD.

But Puerto Rico is a small island, so there's no need t have a private plane to get around it quickly. The long over water distances to the rest of the US make it more practical to fly commercial flights.

[Edited 2016-02-21 16:40:55]

I know that Jerry Brown - California - has flown on Southwest.

Quoting CPH-R (Reply 6):

Gov Rick Scott has flown on his own jet since he took office.

The Washington State Patrol has 2 King Air 200s.

The governor seems to mostly use N207HB, which is a 1995 model.

I was under the impression the Gov of Arizona uses a TurboCommander

Nebraska:

N84NE Beechcraft C90 (traded in the Cheyenne)

Quoting dfwjim1 (Reply 11): I know that Jerry Brown - California - has flown on Southwest

Yup, seen him as well as Louisiana Gov. Bobby Jindal on SWA

FLY

Quoting ArmitageShanks (Reply 4): Doug Ducey flies AA quite a bit. Not sure if they still have a private A/C or not

State of Arizona flies a King Air

Quoting Byrdluvs747 (Reply 9): In New Mexico, Gov. Martinez sold the Cessna Citation Bravo jet bought by the previous administration. Last I read she gets around in the state's 2006 King Air turboprop for regional flying.

That reminds me that I saw a story saying that the Navajo nation had decided not to replace their three King Airs.

I'd guess that several other tribes have planes considering that they are often spread over a large and sparsely populated area.

Quoting dfwjim1 (Reply 11): I know that Jerry Brown - California - has flown on Southwest.

Also flies United

Hawaii doesn't have any executive aircraft for the Governor, although (IMO) there's a case for one. David Ige normally flies HA, and uses the Hawaii Air National Guard in emergencies.

Quoting Byrdluvs747 (Reply 9): DPS recently received two of these interesting birds from the DoD.

That's an M-28 Skytruck, right? What's DPS? (It's a touch hard to Google   ).

Quoting Byrdluvs747 (Reply 9): In New Mexico, Gov. Martinez sold the Cessna Citation Bravo jet bought by the previous administration.

Beat me to it! She sold it 2-3 years ago.

Nice lady. Met her the other day!   Very approachable.

Quoting Byrdluvs747 (Reply 9): DPS recently received two of these interesting birds from the DoD.

Now I'm interested! What is that?!   

Quoting bobdino (Reply 21): What's DPS?

Dept of Public Safety

Quoting Boeing778X (Reply 22): Now I'm interested! What is that?!

I'm 99% sure it's an M-28. Polish airplane. Think "front half Twin Otter, back half Skyvan".

Quoting Alasizon (Reply 23): Quoting bobdino (Reply 21): What's DPS? Dept of Public Safety

Cheers. Much appreciated.

Quoting Byrdluvs747 (Reply 9): DPS recently received two of these interesting birds from the DoD.

Previously flown by the 318 SOS at Cannon AFB, so they didn't even leave the state to begin their new career as executive aircraft.

Palin sold the jet because it could not land at most AK GA airports. I am not sure if they replaced it either.

State of Michigan:

N1655M - Beech B200 King Air
N2844D - Beech 58 Baron
N702MA - Beech B200 King Air
N72521 - Beech 58 Baron
N9461Z - Cessna 206

FYI- the drive from Lansing to the western Upper Peninsula is about as far as it is from Lansing to Washington D.C. (9-10 hours driving.)

What does Andrew Cuomo use in NY to get around?
Seems to use an Egg Beater to get around in state quite a bit?

Ohio has two King Airs (250 and 350) and also at least one C208 for survey. I know because I applied to fly them (I didn't get hired. Probably a good thing).

Quoting tjwgrr (Reply 27): N9461Z - Cessna 206

I knew Michigan had the King Airs and Barons but what do they use the 206 for? Seems a small/slow aircraft for executive transportation.

The Governor of the Bank of England doesn't have a plane of his own!

Nor does the Governor of my local charity football (as in Soccer) team

Is this a USA-only thread? In which case, please adapt the thread title to make that clearer.

Provincial, Moi???

I know Mike Pence has been on WN a few times as I've had colleagues who've been on board with him. I think IN might have sold the executive fleet.

The governor of VT flies commercial.

Quoting CPH-R (Reply 25): Previously flown by the 318 SOS at Cannon AFB, so they didn't even leave the state to begin their new career as executive aircraft.

Cannon is in New Mexico. DPS is Arizona.

-DiamondFlyer

[Edited 2016-02-22 07:22:21]

Quoting DiamondFlyer (Reply 33): DPS is Arizona

In my understanding, DPS is the code for Denpasar, the main airport on Bali. That's wasn't part of Arizona yesterday, as far as I know! What happened?  

Quoting sassiciai (Reply 34): Quoting DiamondFlyer (Reply 33): DPS is Arizona In my understanding, DPS is the code for Denpasar, the main airport on Bali. That's wasn't part of Arizona yesterday, as far as I know! What happened?

Asked and answered:

Quoting Alasizon (Reply 23): Quoting bobdino (Reply 21): What's DPS? Dept of Public Safety

I didn't know about the AZ DPS getting ex-SOCOM M-28s, and, as always, Google is my friend:

http://www.cbs5az.com/story/30321340/dps-skytruck-ready-to-fly

The aircraft can carry a full SWAT team or bomb squad. Seats can be removed to accommodate cargo.
Valenzuela said the aircraft will be especially helpful because DPS supports so many small agencies across the state.
"If we need to do evacuations, we can do up to 18 people at a time. We can move 18 people from one fire to another location and carry fuel and equipment," he said. Skytruck is a utility aircraft that, when fully loaded, can land and take off in less than 800 feet on flat pavement, desert or dirt road.

http://www.azcentral.com/story/news/...rcraft-lands-sky-harbor/74358972/#

Ideal for any US state's special operation forces but probably unlikely to be carrying the Governor around.

Arkansas Gov uses ASP King Air 200

Nevada has a Cessna Citation, WN has the contract to fly state employees.

Quoting Web (Reply 29): I knew Michigan had the King Airs and Barons but what do they use the 206 for? Seems a small/slow aircraft for executive transportation.

More than executive transport. Sounds like the 206 is used by state airport and equipment inspectors

From this 2016 study: http://www.michigan.gov/documents/mdot/MDOT_Sec_382_380969_7.pdf
------------
Michigan has a unique geography and coverage area. As an illustration, the drive time for the 541 miles from Lansing to Ironwood is 9:41. The drive time from Lansing to Washington D.C. is only 19 minutes longer. With the mix of two 9 - passenger turboprops, two 5 - passenger piston twins and one 5 passenger single engine aircraft, the right aircraft can be assigned to the right mission. Anecdotal statements from users describe trips to/from the UP that resulted in 1 day trips versus at least 1 - over night stay and more productive use of the employee’s time.

The aircraft utilized for each trip is “right sized” for the number of passengers on the trips. Transportation of department personnel in support of the mission to inspect airports, licensing, electronic equipment maintenance is provided by department aircraft and two airport inspectors are qualified for PIC in the Cessna 206.

Quoting bobdino (Reply 24): I'm 99% sure it's an M-28. Polish airplane. Think "front half Twin Otter, back half Skyvan".

Mielec M-28 'Skytruck'   It's actually not bad looking!

I'm pretty sure North Carolina's governor can fly on a Citation Bravo or a King Air B200


Though it seems like he should have a Wright Flyer and a Honda Jet.  

[Edited 2016-02-22 10:53:21]


Also, I believe he can be carried around by any state police aircraft if need be (emergency, disaster etc...). The is probably true for all governors.

[Edited 2016-02-22 11:24:37]

Quoting gct64 (Reply 36): Ideal for any US state's special operation forces but probably unlikely to be carrying the Governor around.

Az. Governor is looking to consolidate the state's aircraft fleet so that they aren't dedicated to any specific agency. More like an aircraft pool. We'll see how that works out.

In Arizona we get large wildfires, so there is a chance the governor and his team could be on a flight to inspect/coordinate emergency response services.

Quoting apfpilot (Reply 31): I know Mike Pence has been on WN a few times as I've had colleagues who've been on board with him. I think IN might have sold the executive fleet.

Doesn't surprise me because WN is #1 in IND, which also happens to be the state capital.

The lone state airplane - a Super King Air 200 - was sold 2 years ago. Pence used the proceeds to fund the Indiana State Police, which does have an Aviation Section consisting of 3 Bell 206 helicopters and 3 fixed-wing planes.
http://www.indystar.com/story/news/p...oost-indiana-state-police/5388039/

I once flew a governor spring (part of the propellor system) for a Metro that was stuck on the ground in Inverell (northern New South Wales) from Brisbane in a Cessna 172RG. The spring fitted nicely in my shirt pocket - smallest piece of cargo I've ever carried (and my first commercial op, no less).

Not sure if that's the governor we're talking about here, but I like the story  

V/F

Quoting flylku (Thread starter): This got me to wondering, what are other Governors flying these days?

Pretty much any governor level position can use National Guard / Police type flying equipment throughout the world. Most of these planes are not for the *exclusive* use of the governor/ lt. governor however and are used extensively by state agencies. Longer trips tend to be commercial, albeit often up front fwiw and surprisingly many still advantage of ride alongs or loaners from captains of industry  

Quoting Flyingclrs727 (Reply 10): But Puerto Rico is a small island, so there's no need t have a private plane to get around it quickly.

Ever tried to get from Viejo San Juan to Guanica   ?

Quoting sassiciai (Reply 30): The Governor of the Bank of England doesn't have a plane of his own!Nor does the Governor of my local charity football (as in Soccer) teamIs this a USA-only thread? In which case, please adapt the thread title to make that clearer. Provincial, Moi???

INDEED. Good morning, governor  

So, how about this: Regional / provincial / territorial / 2nd highest tier of government leaders and we can expand it a bit.

Quoting flyBTV (Reply 32): The governor of VT flies commercial.

*After* trying very hard to replace an aging state plane and failing:

http://www.wcax.com/story/21200929/p...an-for-new-vt-state-plane-grounded

Quoting sassiciai (Reply 34): In my understanding, DPS is the code for Denpasar, the main airport on Bali. That's wasn't part of Arizona yesterday, as far as I know! What happened?

I can assure you if you ask anyone in Arizona what DPS is, few if any will think if Bali. There are OTHER abbreviations besides airport identifiers.

Here in VA we've got a King Air - I took this photo of it at the 2011 Oceana NAS Air Show (in the pouring rain...)

Quoting bjorn14 (Reply 26): Palin sold the jet because it could not land at most AK GA airports. I am not sure if they replaced it either.

That is not why they got rid of that stupid Westland.

Prior to Frank Murkowski becoming governor, the state use the State Troopers two King Airs to transport the governor when commerical transport was impractical.

Now according to the state the Westland was bought to fly the governor and to do prisoner transports across the state. Word on the state is that Franks wife, Nancy was so self-indulgent she insisted Frank get a jet with a bathroom in it so she didn't have to hold in when traveling with him on state buisness. One of the King Airs was sold to pay for the Westland, or more correctly overpay for the Westland. At that time I don't even think it was RSVM equiped.

As far as I know that jet never transported a single state prisoner.

What makes that worse is that about the time the decision was made to buy the jet Corrections let out a contract to provide prisoner transport services with several air carriers including the one I was working for at the time. ASFAIK not a single flight occured under that contract either. In fact one carrier invested in a PC-12 in after wining several of the bids n that contract. They payments on that underutilized airplane (along with a crash of another of their aircraft) put it out of buisness.

When Frank was up for reelection, against two other republican challagers, including Palin, he came in third in his own primary. The jet, along with his secret pipeline negotiations, having the republican chairman Randy Reiderich, who he nominated to the oil and gas board get busted for using state resources on party buisness (Palin BTW was the one that busted him) and nominating his own daughter as his senate replacement didn't help him.

Palin, to her credit did actually make good on her promise to sell the hated jet. Love her or hate here, it was refreshing to see a politican actually make good on a campaign promise.

Currently I think the governor is back to using either commerical transportation, State Trooper or occasionally National Guard aircraft for travel.

Quoting L-188 (Reply 48): Westland

It was a "Westwind", not a "Westland". Specifcally IAI 1124A Westwind II N328SA:


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This photo was taken after it was sold to Valdez businessman Larry Reynolds.