Did Any U.S. Presidents Hold Pilot Certificates?

A friend told me a story about an airplane that intentionally landed on the lawn of the White House. That got us to wondering, have any U.S. presidents actually held a pilot certificate?

Meg Godlewski

Wednesday, October 25, 2023 at 03:17 PM ET

Verified

Several U.S. presidents have held pilot certificates. [Pixabay]

Key Takeaways:

The story of an airplane intentionally landing at the White House was likely a demonstration of a STOL aircraft, like a Helio Courier, aimed at winning a military contract.
Three U.S. presidents have held pilot certificates: Dwight D. Eisenhower, George H.W. Bush, and George W. Bush.
First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt also obtained a student pilot certificate in the early 1930s, logging 35 hours.

See a mistake? Contact us.

Question: A friend told me a story about an airplane that intentionally landed on the lawn of the White House. That got us to wondering, have any U.S. presidents actually held a pilot certificate?

Answer: I think the story your friend recalls is about a Helio Courier, a STOL aircraft designed during the Cold War. There are variations on the story: one is that it was put down in the Rose Garden; another has it landing in the courtyard of the Pentagon. Both times it was a demonstration of the ability to win a military contract.