[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 29, Number 6 (Monday, February 15, 1993)]
[Pages 168-169]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
Memorandum on Restriction of Government Aircraft

 February 10, 1993

Memorandum for the Heads of Executive Departments and Agencies and 
Employees of the Executive Office of the President

Subject:  Restricted Use of Government Aircraft

    The taxpayers should pay no more than absolutely necessary to 
transport Government officials. The public should only be asked to fund 
necessities, not luxuries, for its public servants. I describe in this 
memorandum the limited circumstances under which senior executive branch 
officials are authorized to use Government aircraft.
    In general, Government aircraft (either military or owned and 
operated by a particular agency) shall not be used for nongovernmental 
purposes. Uses other than those that constitute the discharge of an 
agency's official responsibilities are nongovernmental.
    The Secretary of State, Secretary of Defense, Attorney General, 
Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the Director of 
Central Intelligence may use Government aircraft for nongovernmental 
purposes, but only upon reimbursement at ``full coach fare'' and with my 
authorization (or that of my designated representative) on the grounds 
that a threat exists which could endanger lives or when continuous 24-
hour secure communication is required.
    When travel is necessary for governmental purposes, Government 
aircraft shall not be used if commercial airline or aircraft (including 
charter) service is reasonably available, i.e., able to meet the 
traveler's departure and/or arrival requirements within a 24-hour 
period, unless highly unusual circumstances present a clear and present 
danger, an emergency exists, use of Government aircraft is more cost-
effective than commercial air, or other compelling operational 
considerations make commercial transportation unacceptable. Such 
authorization must be in accordance with the May 22, 1992, Office of 
Management and Budget Circular A-126, ``Improving the Management and Use 
of Government Aircraft.'' (The provisions and definitions of this 
Circular are to supplement but not replace the provisions in this 
memorandum.) In addition, Government funds shall not be used to pay for 
first-class travel, unless no other commercial service is reasonably 
available, or such travel is necessary for reasons of disability or 
medical condition.
    In order to assist the Administrator of General Services oversight 
of agency aircraft, all use of Government aircraft by senior executive 
branch officials shall be documented and such documentation shall be 
disclosed to the public upon request unless classified. Each agency and 
the Executive Office of the President shall report semiannually to the 
General Services Administration and the Office of Management and Budget 
data relating to the amount of travel on Government aircraft by such 
officials at Government expense and the amount of reimbursements 
collected for travel for nongovernmental purposes.
    In addition, all agencies are directed to report to OMB within 60 
days of this memorandum on their continuing need for aircraft configured 
for passenger use in their inven- 

[[Page 169]]

tories. OMB, in turn, shall evaluate the sufficiency and effectiveness 
of current policies. Such review should include a public comment 
process.
    This memorandum shall apply solely to senior executive branch 
officials. For purposes of this memorandum, senior executive branch 
officials are civilian officials appointed by the President with the 
advice and consent of the Senate, as well as civilian employees of the 
Executive Office of the President.
    Thank you for your assistance in implementing these restrictions.
                                            William J. Clinton