When we think of presidential aircraft, we imagine jumbo jets, like the Boeing VC-25 (the military version of the 747) tagged with the call sign “Air Force One” whenever the president is onboard. Here’s a close look at a smaller transport, a 1955 Aero Commander L-26B known as Ike’s Bird. This is believed to be the smallest airplane ever to carry the prestigious call sign, which it did in service to the 34th U.S. president, Dwight D. Eisenhower. Now fully restored, Ike’s Bird flies to honor our nation’s veterans. Read more about this airplane in the April 2020 issue of Warbirds magazine.