The Cherokee Nation of Oklahoma has released travel logs for the tribe's official plane but costs of the trips haven't been reported.

The Cherokee Phoenix posted the logs, which go back to Februrary 1999, during the term of Chief Joe Byrd. They run through April 2011, covering incumbent Chief Chad Smith.

The logs show Smith's travel to tribal events and national conferences, including trips to Washington, D.C. Other tribal officials and employees used the plane, according to the data.

But the costs of the flights aren't reported, something Bill John Baker, a tribal council member who is running for chief, wants to know. The tribe bought the plane in 2008 for $1.87 million and says the plane costs about $450 an hour to operate

However, the Cherokee Phoenix said hourly operational costs for the same plane run from $925 to $1037.60, according to Avbuyer.com and an aviation expert that the paper contacted.

Get the Story:
CN plane logs and cost become campaign issue (The Cherokee Phoenix 6/15)

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