Vermont governor uses 1960 plane, but predecessors wouldn't

BERLIN, Vt. (AP) — Gov. Peter Shumlin doesn't mind flying in the state's half-century-old single engine-plane, even though two of his predecessors declined to use it.

"I was born without a fear gene," the Democrat, who is finishing up his third and final two-year term, boasted in an interview. He joked that the 1960 four-seater Cessna is his "security team's nightmare and a lieutenant governor's dream."

The plane has been getting more use by the governor and attention this year now that Shumlin has moved from East Montpelier, not far from the Statehouse, back to his home area in southern Vermont, about two hours away by car.

Guy Rouelle, the state Agency of Transportation's director of aviation, said the plane is well-maintained and safe to fly and used only when weather conditions are favorable.

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