Dutchess Community College acquires ex-Air Force One jet

Students enrolled in Dutchess Community College”™s airplane mechanic program will now have a chance to work on an aircraft that once transported the leader of the free world.

The Poughkeepsie-based college has acquired an Air Force One Gulfstream G3 once used by President George H.W. Bush during his 1989-1993 administration. The aircraft, which was obtained through the federal government”™s surplus program for an undisclosed sum, will be based at the Hudson Valley Regional Airport.

The college”™s airplane mechanic program is certified by the Federal Aviation Administration and is scheduled to begin offering courses in 2020. Dutchess County Executive Marc Molinaro praised the program as “training local students for high-paying jobs in the aviation industry.”