Air Force One (call sign: Eagle)

Secret Service agent calls out 'Eagle's in daylight' from the flight stairs, confirming the presidential aircraft waits ready under clear skies. Bartlet pauses mid-ribbing of Charlie to register the update, while C.J. fields his policy query and staffers cluster nearby, the announcement shifting their banter toward departure amid personal and political pressures.

2 appearances

Appearances in the Narrative

When this object appears and how it's used

2 moments

S4E12 · Guns Not Butter

Flight Stairs: Bartlet's Paternal Ribbing and Media Check

Air Force One (call sign 'Eagle') is invoked by the Secret Service's radio call to mark operational timing; its readiness sets the beat's tempo and enforces the group's immediate movement and discipline.

Before: Parked and ready on the tarmac, awaiting clearance and the president's traversal of the stairs.

After: Signaled as 'in daylight' — operationally ready for the motorcade handoff and subsequent travel sequence.

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S4E12 · Guns Not Butter

Messaging Check on the Flight Stairs / Motorcade Arrival

Air Force One ('Eagle') functions here as an operational cue rather than a physical prop — the Secret Service's announcement that 'Eagle's in daylight' signals the plane's readiness and the President's exposure, triggering the group's shift from private banter to public movement.

Before: Parked and standing by while the President and staff disembark via the flight stairs.

After: Remains on station, its readiness having prompted the entourage to prepare for motorcade handoff and movement away from the stairs.

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