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| CIA operatives often fly on private and chartered airlines |
For Corey Pearson, the decision to travel
by private plane is paramount. It allows him to bypass major airports, TSA
screenings, and omnipresent CCTV cameras, effectively avoiding detection. This
strategy is employed by real-life CIA operatives who adapt their choice of
aircraft to suit the demands of each unique operation.
For example, Tony Mendez, a former CIA
officer, gained prominence for his involvement in the daring rescue of six
American diplomats during the Iran hostage crisis in 1980, an operation
depicted in the movie "Argo." He traveled to Tehran under the guise
of a Hollywood producer and chartered a private plane to bypass airport
security and minimize the risk of exposure.
Mendez knew that private planes provide a
greater degree of control and confidentiality. By utilizing private aviation,
Mendez effectively navigated the challenges posed by airport screenings and
enhanced the overall security of the mission.
Maintaining
a new identity is crucial for CIA operatives. They assume a fresh persona,
complete with a meticulously crafted façade, including a new passport, driver's
license, credit cards, and bank account. The goal is to sever any connection to
their past assignments and create a seamless cover.
This is a difficult undertaking since they
must navigate numerous biometric challenges. In the digital age, biometric
passports pose a challenge for them. In Episode 1 of THE SHADOW WAR,
Corey faces this dilemma. His former fake passport, containing crucial biometric
data, could be linked to a newer biometric passport embedded with a microchip.
To avoid exposing the discrepancy between his passports, Corey opted for
private travel, as commercial airlines could potentially compromise his cover.
Another example of a real-life CIA operative
utilizing a private or chartered plane is Valerie Plame Wilson. Wilson, a
former CIA operations officer, found herself in need of discreet and efficient
transportation during her covert assignments. We all remember the incident of
Plame being outed in the President George W. Bush administration. See: Karl
Rove and Dick Cheney Made All Americans 'Fair Game.'
In 2018, Wilson was involved in a mission
that required her to travel to sensitive locations around the world for
intelligence gathering. She opted to use private planes to minimize the risk of
detection and maintain a low profile, to avoid the extensive security protocols
and potential scrutiny associated with commercial airlines, and to maintain
greater control over her travel arrangements, all to reduce the chances of her
identity being compromised.
By the way, CIA operatives often develop
strong relationships with their colleagues, relying on one another for support
during perilous missions. The camaraderie and shared sense of purpose are
essential in navigating the treacherous world of espionage. I bring this out in
Episode 1 of "The Shadow War" through CIA spymaster Corey Pearson's
interactions with his CIA pilot, Mark, aboard their private plane.
Here are some of the private airlines that
the CIA often uses to transport its undercover operatives:
NetJets is a private jet charter
company that operates a fleet of luxurious aircraft, including various models
of private jets. It provides flexible and discreet travel options, allowing CIA
operatives to customize their itineraries and maintain a high level of privacy.
Gulfstream Aerospace has a fleet of
private jets, including models like the Gulfstream G650 and G550, known for
their long-range capabilities, comfort, and advanced security features.
CIA operatives enjoy the G650's enhanced
surveillance systems, such as the forward-looking infrared (FLIR) cameras and
high-resolution external cameras that provide real-time situational awareness
and assist in identifying potential threats or obstacles.
The G650 aircraft has encrypted voice and
data transmission capabilities, so operatives can share sensitive information
during their flight, knowing it will remain confidential and protected from
unauthorized access.
The Gulfstream Aerospace private jets also
have anti-jamming devices embedded in their communication and navigation
systems to protect against potential electronic warfare threats. In threatening
and challenging environments, CIA operatives will be able to maintain
continuous and uninterrupted communication with Langley and other operatives on
the ground.
Air America was a private airline
that operated during the Cold War era and played a significant role in
supporting covert operations. Although it ceased operations in 1976, it remains
an iconic example of a private airline employed by the CIA for clandestine
activities.
Presidential Airways, now known as
AAR Airlift Group, is a private airline that has provided transportation
services to the CIA. It specializes in delivering CIA operatives and cargo to
challenging and remote locations around the world, offering secure and reliable
air transportation for sensitive missions.
Kalitta Air is another privately
owned cargo airline that the CIA often contracts with to transport sensitive
cargo and personnel.
Dynamic Aviation is a private
aviation company that offers specialized services, including aerial
surveillance, intelligence gathering, and transport for the CIA. It has been
involved in various CIA classified missions.
World Airways, now defunct, was a private airline that provided charter services to the CIA. It supported many covert operations during the Cold War, including transporting personnel and equipment to sensitive locations.
I was amazed at the popularity of
non-commercial airline flights. According to the Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), in 2019, there were approximately 12.5 million general
aviation flight hours in the United States. This includes both private and
charter flights. Some of these flights involved international travelers or
flights to and from other countries.
So, the next time you find yourself on a
private or charter airline, gazing at your fellow passengers, remember this:
the person sitting next to you may just be a spook. Yes, that's right, a
real-life secret agent with a mission to accomplish and a cover to protect.
While you're sipping on your complimentary
beverage and browsing through the in-flight magazine, they could be plotting
their next move or exchanging encrypted messages. It's a thrilling thought,
isn't it?
The use of private planes by CIA operatives
is not just a figment of Hollywood imagination; it's a well-established
practice rooted in the necessity for secrecy and the art of avoiding detection.
In "Martinis and Covert Missions: Corey Pearson's Race Against the
Invisible Killer," the first episode of my exhilarating THE SHADOW WAR
spy thriller, you'll be immersed in the intensity and real-world complexities
of modern espionage. You'll witness firsthand how agents like Corey Pearson
utilize every tactic at their disposal, including private and chartered air travel,
to safeguard their missions and protect their identities.
So, buckle up, fasten your seatbelt, and
enjoy the flight, because you never know who might be sitting right beside you.
Maybe it's a CIA operative on a top-secret mission, or maybe it's just a regular
traveler like yourself.
Either way, the skies are filled with intrigue and excitement, making your journey an adventure in itself. Happy travels, and keep your eyes peeled for those who may be more than meets the eye!
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