Armstrong & Getty On Demand
Episode: Not a Plan, But a Designation
Date: January 21, 2026
Podcast: Armstrong & Getty On Demand (iHeartPodcasts)
Episode Overview
In this lively “One More Thing” segment, Armstrong & Getty take a deep dive into Air Force One, sparked by recent news of a presidential flight’s abrupt turnaround due to an “electrical problem.” The hosts examine common misconceptions about Air Force One, discuss the aging nature of the presidential fleet, explore the remarkable (and sometimes outdated) technology aboard, and riff humorously about presidential and commercial air travel—especially the trials of using airplane restrooms.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
1. What Is Air Force One? (00:00–00:46)
- The hosts clarify a frequent misconception: “It's not a plan, it's a designation.” (A, 00:03)
- Any plane carrying the President is designated as “Air Force One.” Helicopters are “Marine One.”
- Even a dirigible or unconventional aircraft would assume the Air Force One call sign if the President were aboard.
- Quote:
- “You can't fly in a designation, you idiot. So any plane can be Air Force One. It's just whatever plane the president is on is designated Air Force One.” —Host A (00:13)
2. Presidential Flight Turnaround: News & Skepticism (00:46–02:08)
- Recent incident: Presidential plane headed to Switzerland turned back due to an electrical issue.
- Skepticism arises because Air Force One is believed to have extensive backup systems.
- Some experts and the public doubt that a single electrical issue would cause a full turnaround.
- Quote:
- “They've got like so many redundant backup systems…likely that you would just turn around for an electric problem? You just switch to the backup, to the backup, to the backup and keep going.” —Host B (01:02)
- Touches on official explanations possibly being cover stories.
3. Aging Aircraft and Fleet Condition (02:09–03:48)
- Guest Josh Rogan notes that fleet issues are “an open secret” among White House reporters.
- Air Force One is old but still in better shape than planes for other senior officials.
- The US government is known to keep its VIP fleets long past their technological peak; current Air Force One is over 35 years old.
- Quote:
- “The US fleet is very old and the planes are not in good condition.” —Josh Rogan (02:44)
- Discussion of presidential aircraft upgrades being behind schedule, highlighting inefficiencies.
4. Air Force One as Icon & Museum Piece (03:48–04:52)
- Personal anecdotes: Hosts reflect on never having toured the Air Force One exhibit at the Reagan Library (B), visiting airplane museums (A), seeing vintage Air Force Ones (such as Nixon’s).
- Early Air Force One craft described as "old timey," contrasted with the current version's advanced systems.
5. Secret Tech & Flying Command Center (04:52–07:54)
- Air Force One’s impressive features:
- Military-grade secure communication, EMP hardening, advanced missile defense (laser jamming, flares), radar jamming, and unlimited range via in-flight refueling.
- Ability for the President to broadcast national addresses from the air.
- Some technology seems outdated (fax machines, 85+ telephones, satellite links).
- Quote:
- “The current Air Force One features 85 plus telephones, fax machines…” (06:03)
- “Wait a minute. A fax machine? What am I doing? Am I in touch with like the old timey pharmacy in my town or something?” —Host A (06:06)
- Irony over lack of Wi-Fi seen as an extreme inconvenience by today's standards.
6. EMP Weapons & Warfare (07:16–07:54)
- Discussion about EMP (Electromagnetic Pulse) hardening and the importance in the context of future warfare.
- Speculation about the use of such weapons in past conflicts.
7. Creature Comforts: The Presidency vs. Regular Fliers (07:54–09:53)
- Air Force One luxuries: private quarters, conference rooms, full medical facilities.
- Humorous speculation about the bathroom quality aboard Air Force One, imagining Trump with a gold toilet seat.
- Quote:
- “He's got a gold toilet seat in there, guaranteed.” —Host A (08:28)
- Quote:
- Contrast with cramped, uncomfortable commercial airline bathrooms—especially for “big old boys” and tall people.
- Quote:
- “If you're standing to relieve yourself, if you're over like five-six, you gotta like frame your—Jesus. Wow. You gotta crane your neck or hunch. It's terrible.” —Host A (09:11)
- Quote:
8. First-Class Restroom Speculation & Airline Experience (09:53–11:58)
- Playful brainstorming: What if “first class” was repurposed as reserved bathroom access rather than nicer seats?
- Suggestion that passengers might be willing to pay premium for larger or reserved toilets.
- Quote:
- “To have a really nice bathroom and maybe a reservation system. ‘Mr. Getty, party of one? Yes, yes, we're ready for you.’” —Host A (11:38)
- Hosts admit fasting before flights to avoid using airplane bathrooms.
Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments
- On Air Force One’s retro features:
- “Wait a minute. A fax machine?” —Host A (06:06)
- “You've got a Blockbuster for some reason, right?” —Host B (06:21)
- On bathroom logistics:
- “Suppose Trump’s got a full size bathroom. He’s not squeezing into that little bathroom air.” —Host B (08:18)
- On airline customer service:
- “Excuse me, air waitress, can you explain to me how that is going to work?” —Host A (08:58)
- “And enjoy the hawker in your coffee.” —Host B (10:19)
Timestamps for Key Segments
- 00:00–00:46 — Air Force One: Designation Explained
- 00:46–02:08 — Presidential Flight Incident & Skepticism
- 02:09–03:48 — The Aging Presidential Fleet
- 03:48–04:52 — Presidential Plane Exhibits & Museum Anecdotes
- 04:52–07:54 — Air Force One’s Secret Tech and Capabilities
- 07:54–09:53 — Creature Comforts & Bathroom Comparisons
- 09:53–11:58 — First-Class Restrooms: A Modest Proposal
- Throughout — Humorous asides, relatable airline experiences, and banter
Tone & Style
- Informal, playful, and conversational
- Mix of factual information, personal anecdotes, and comedic riffing
- Lighthearted skepticism toward official narratives and outdated government technology
This episode provides listeners with both quirky insights and solid information about Air Force One, blending real-world political trivia with trademark Armstrong & Getty humor—making aviation history unexpectedly relatable and entertaining.