The Restoration Record: Cockpit, Radio, and Lounge

Restoring the First Air Force One is about far more than what visitors see on the surface. Much of the work focuses on the systems, finishes, and small decisions that made Columbine II reliable during President Eisenhower’s time in office. This update takes a closer look at the progress inside the cockpit, the aircraft’s original radio equipment, and the First Family’s lounge.

Cockpit Restoration

The cockpit is where Columbine II was flown, navigated, and commanded. Today, restoration efforts are centered on returning this space to how it looked and functioned in the early 1950s.

To do that, many cockpit components have been removed and restored one by one. Switches, instrument panels, and internal systems are carefully taken apart, inspected, and rebuilt based on original documentation. This hands-on process allows the team to address decades of wear while keeping every part true to its original design.

With much of that work complete, restored cockpit components are now being prepared for their final finish. The cockpit will be repainted in its historically accurate forest green color, the same tone used during Eisenhower’s presidency. Once reinstalled, these pieces will bring the cockpit back to a condition that closely reflects how it appeared when it carried the President of the United States.

Shown here is the first of many layers, applied to ensure the pieces remain resistant to wear well into the future.

Did you know?

The cockpit of Columbine II was originally finished in a forest green tone to reduce glare and eye fatigue for the pilot. It was a practical design choice used in mid-century military and presidential aircraft.

Radio

One of the more hands-on parts of the interior work is the restoration of Columbine II’s original radio equipment, including the Signal Corps BC-348-R receiver.

This radio once handled long-range communication while President Eisenhower was aboard the aircraft. Built for military bombers like the B-17 and B-29, the BC-348-R was designed to run on a 28-volt aircraft power system and hold up under demanding conditions. That same reliability made it a natural fit when Columbine II entered presidential service.

Our restoration work with this radio starts with preserving what’s already there. The metal housing is being cleaned and stabilized. Original control knobs, mounting hardware, and wiring routes are being kept in place whenever possible. Inside the unit, components are being inspected, repaired, and rebuilt so the radio can power on again and operate as it did in the 1950s.

The receiver will not be used for active flight today, but it will light up and function. Visitors will be able to see the radio working and understand how communication was handled aboard the aircraft during Eisenhower’s presidency.

Mrs. Eisenhower’s Lounge

In the rear of the aircraft, restoration work continues in Mrs. Eisenhower’s lounge. Designed for comfort and privacy on long trips, this space is now in the final stages of electrical and lighting installation.

Lighting in the closet area has already been completed. Crews are now finishing lighting above the sinks and along sections of the bench seating. Each fixture is positioned and finished to match the original layout and appearance.

These elements may be subtle, but they play an important role in how the space was used and experienced. By restoring these details with care, the project ensures Columbine II tells a complete and accurate story, from the flight deck to the most private areas on board.

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