Photo – The DC-8 landed its final flight at the Lynchburg Regional Airport Dec. 7, 2025. (Photo by Simon Barbre) – By Scotty Malta – Samaritan’s Purse retired the last flying U.S. registered Douglas DC-8 and donated it to longtime partner, Liberty University in Lynchburg, VA. The DC-8 made one final flight to its new home at the Lynchburg Regional Airport (KLYH) in Virginia on December 7, 2025. The North Carolina-based Samaritan’s Purse, a Christian humanitarian relief organization, had operated the venerable DC-8 as its primary heavy-lift aircraft since 2015. Over its years of service to Samaritan’s Purse, the DC-8 flew 219 missions, while transporting more than 9.2 million pounds of lifesaving cargo to 42 countries affected by disasters on six different continents. On Friday, December 5th, the DC-8 embarked on its final mission—carrying 9,200 shoebox gifts to Jamaica. These Operation Christmas Child shoeboxes were packed with toys, school supplies, and personal care items and were distributed to children devastated by Hurricane Melissa. These gifts reminded the children that God loves them, and they are not forgotten. The mission to Jamaica was the DC-8’s 219th mission and its final flight before it was given to Liberty University, where it will remain on display in Lynchburg, Virginia. Liberty University has one of the largest faith-based collegiate aviation programs in North America, and this historic aircraft will continue to remind students how God can use aviation as a tool for the Gospel. “For a decade, the DC-8 has helped us reach more people around the world for the Gospel—getting the right supplies and people to places devastated by disasters and crises. As the DC-8 prepares to complete its final mission, we praise God for how He has used this plane to change lives,” said Franklin Graham, president of Samaritan’s Purse. “Aviation plays a critical role in our work, and we replaced this 1968 DC-8, which has reached the end of its service life, with a 767, allowing us to transport even more supplies to people in need in Jesus’ Name.” The majority of shoebox gifts on-board the DC-8 were packed by Thomas Road Baptist Church, Lynchburg, VA and Liberty University students, faculty and staff—some of whom had the opportunity to fly on the DC-8 to personally deliver shoebox gifts to boys and girls in Jamaica. Edward Graham, joined by Jonathan Falwell and other Liberty University Leadership and students, helps distribute Operation Christmas Child shoebox gifts to children in Black River as families continue recovering from Hurricane Melissa, reminding them that God loves them and has not forgotten them. (Photo by Samaritan’s Purse) Liberty University alumna Cassie Straub, then president of Liberty’s Operation Christmas Child Club, was also on the trip to Jamaica. For many years, this club has been active on campus promoting and coordinating the collection of shoebox gifts and hosting packing parties. She said witnessing the end result was heartwarming. “Seeing the joy on the kids’ faces and knowing how much this gift means to them, it was a cool experience to see and interact with the kids. It was really cool to see how Samaritan’s Purse ties in the Gospel to the box and talks about how Jesus is the greatest gift. He is a free gift we receive, just like these shoeboxes.” “We are deeply grateful to Franklin Graham, the Graham family, and Samaritan’s Purse for their friendship in the faith and their partnership in the Gospel,” said Liberty University Chancellor Jonathan Falwell. “For generations, they have shared the love of Jesus and served people in crisis around the world. This DC-8 is not only a remarkable gift — the first of its kind to Liberty — but a powerful symbol of our shared commitment to reach the world with the life-changing message of the Gospel while meeting urgent humanitarian needs. As Liberty trains the next generation of Champions for Christ, this aircraft will remind us of God’s faithfulness and inspire our students to carry the Gospel to the nations.” —————————————– The following is an unpublished interview (March 18, 2026) by the author (Malta) with Jim “Vech” Vechery and Dr. Steven Brinly, in their own words (lightly edited): Jim Vechery, the Director of Mission Aviation Services in Greensboro for Samaritan’s Purse – “I was given the task of retiring the DC-8 by the 31st of December last year (2025) to bring on board the replacement, which is our 767-300 ER freighter. So, in the process of doing that, one of our tasks was to figure out where the final home for the DC-8 was going to be. Samaritan’s Purse DC-8 at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh. SAJ photo by Kim Stevens. And you might be aware; there is a great affinity for that particular aircraft. We call it “The Mighty DC-8”. And what I didn’t realize is how many people appreciate that aircraft. We had people calling us when the aircraft was stuck in Bangkok for a week, asking what had happened to the DC-8. We also had people wanting to come by and see the aircraft because they knew it was the last year it would operate. We were able to take it to AirVenture in Oshkosh, Wisconsin (pictured above – SAJ photo) last year in this retirement year where we got to tour over 6000 people in 3 days through the aircraft. So, it became clear to me that this plane had a follow-on mission. And my task was to figure out what that was. And I would say up to the 14th of November [2025], I was failing at the task. I was not able to find, despite having some really good leads and some really good opportunities, what the follow-on was going to be. And we had thought of the vision being turning the aircraft into some sort of museum to be able to continue to tell the story of what that airplane had done. It flew for us for 10 years, starting in 2015, its first mission was in August of 2016 down to READ MORE
The N.C. Department of Transportation Division of Aviation announced the second round of funding recipients through the department’s Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) Planning Program. The following four Metropolitan Planning Organizations (MPO) and Regional Planning Organizations (RPO) have been awarded a total of $801,000 in funding to educate and help develop long-term AAM transportation planning efforts in North Carolina communities: French Broad River MPO Northwest Piedmont RPO Southwestern RPO (in partnership with Foothills RPO and Land of Sky RPO) Wilmington Urban Area MPO AAM is an emerging sector within the aviation industry, improving multimodal connections, expanding mobility options and enhancing the movement of people and goods. Examples of potential AAM usage include transporting medical supplies during disaster response, inspecting infrastructure, delivering cargo, future air taxis and much more. “It is important that we are able to support our local communities as we continue advancing in our eLIFT-NC program,” said NCDOT Division of Aviation Director Nick Short. “The funding allows planning organizations to lay the groundwork for implementing this technology and maximize the potential benefits for North Carolina.” On the statewide level, NCDOT’s Electric Logistics & Integrated Flight Testing, or eLIFT-NC, recently completed the first series of flights for the Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) AAM program. The program aims to safely accelerate the integration of AAM while exploring how next-generation aircraft can help connect rural communities to healthcare.
Photo – A 60 by 54 foot steel aircraft hangar with 19 foot eave height and transparent wall panels, built for Radost Hangar LLC in Evanston, Wyoming. Photo credit: MBMI Metal Buildings – By Bill Strompf, Vice President, MBMI Metal Buildings – Most private hangar projects start with a single measurement: the wingspan of the airplane sitting on the ramp today. It is the right place to start and the wrong place to stop. A hangar is a building an owner will live with for decades, and in that time the airplane inside it may change more than once. The owners who end up happiest with their hangars are the ones who planned the span, the height and the door around the aircraft they expect to fly next, not only the one they fly now. MBMI has designed and supplied custom steel buildings since 2002, including an aircraft hangar with transparent panels in Evanston, Wyoming, and the same handful of decisions come up on almost every hangar project. Here is how I would walk an owner through them. Start with the wingspan, then add room to work The clear span of the building, the width between the frames with no interior columns, has to cover the wingspan with room to spare. A good rule is roughly 4 to 8 feet of tip room on each side. That space is not wasted. It is what makes it possible to bring the airplane in without holding your breath every time, and it leaves room to walk around the wingtips with a tool cart or a ladder. To put numbers on it, a Cessna 172 has a 36 foot wingspan. With tip room on each side, it fits comfortably in a 50 foot clear span. A rigid frame steel building gives that kind of span without posts in the middle of the floor, which is exactly what an aircraft owner wants. Check the height, and remember the door Height is the measurement owners most often underestimate. Standard practice adds 3 to 5 feet of overhead clearance above the tail height of the aircraft. That margin is there so nobody has to inch a tail under a roof beam. The door opening has to clear the tail as well. On a hangar, the door is not an accessory. It sets the usable opening of the whole building, and the frame has to be engineered around it. Choose the door before the building is engineered There are three common door types for general aviation hangars, and each one has its place. Bi-fold doors are the most common choice for general aviation hangars 40 to 100 feet wide. Hydraulic doors open faster than the alternatives. They cost more up front. Sliding doors are the lowest cost option. The tradeoff is more maintenance on the track over the life of the building. The right answer depends on how often the airplane goes in and out, what the site allows and the budget. What matters most is choosing early. The door is part of the end wall and the framing around the opening, so it needs to be settled before the drawings are finished, not added later. Plan for the next airplane If I could give every hangar owner one piece of advice, it would be this: size the span, the height and the door for the aircraft you expect to own next, not just the one you fly today. An owner flying a light single now may be in a larger airplane in a few years. Adding a few feet of span or height at the design stage costs far less than replacing a door later or living with a hangar that no longer fits. If a step up is anywhere on the horizon, design for it now. Leave room as well for everything that collects in a hangar over the years: a workbench, a tug, a tool chest, maybe a small office or a second airplane someday. Engineer it for where it will stand A steel hangar has to be engineered for the wind, snow and seismic loads of its actual location. A building that is fine in one state can be undersized in another. When comparing suppliers, ask who engineers the building and to what wind, snow and seismic loads for the site’s ZIP code. A low price often means less is included, or lighter design assumptions were used. Two other items belong on the list before ordering. First, confirm fire requirements with the local fire marshal. Second, plan ventilation and a vapor barrier from the start. When humid air inside the building meets steel panels that have cooled to the outdoor temperature, moisture condenses and drips, and no owner wants that landing on a wing or an open cowling. A vapor barrier on the warm side of the insulation, sealed seams and penetrations, and ventilation sized to the building go a long way toward keeping the inside dry. Where moisture runs high, add dehumidification and aim to keep relative humidity below 60 percent. A simple humidity gauge on the wall will tell you whether you are getting there. Know what the price includes Instant online prices for steel buildings commonly leave out engineered drawings, permits, the concrete foundation and delivery. Owners should also budget for erection, interior work, electrical and any plumbing. When comparing quotes, put them on the same scope first. Then compare the engineering, the fabrication standard, the written warranty, the service and the supplier’s track record with buildings of that size and use. Read the warranty in writing, too. Paint, weather tightness and roof panel coverage are separate warranties with separate terms, and details matter: on our buildings, for example, fasteners that are not lifetime fasteners will void the warranty. Ask what is covered, for how long and what voids it. It also helps to know who does what. At MBMI we design, engineer and supply the building, made to order. The owner arranges a local concrete contractor for the READ MORE
The National Intercollegiate Flight Association (NIFA) SAFECON flight competition is returning to Oshkosh on May 6-15, 2027, with the premier collegiate flight competition highlighting over 500 competitors from more than 30 schools. Young pilots from across the country will compete for awards in a variety of aviation skills including landing, navigation, preflight, flight planning, crew-based simulations, safety, sportsmanship and more. The entirety of the competition will be hosted on the EAA grounds, utilizing both the convention grounds and the museum including the EAA Education Center. All ground, spot landing, and flying events will be based at Wittman Regional Airport except for the cross country competition, which will start in Oshkosh and briefly leave the area. While the SAFECON activities are not organized spectator events, the event will make Wittman Regional Airport a very active place beginning with sanctioned practice activities on May 6 and competition on May 10. “This competition brings together the nation’s top collegiate pilots to showcase their flying skills,” said Ren Scott, EAA’s vice president of business development, sales, and events. “It’s especially exciting to have these young aviators return to the community in 2027, as we celebrate the centennial of Charles Lindbergh’s historic flight and the 100th anniversary of Wittman Regional Airport here in Oshkosh.” The airport, the annual home of the EAA AirVenture Oshkosh fly-in, is well-suited for hosting the national collegiate competition. The facility was founded in 1927 as the Oshkosh municipal airport and was acquired by Winnebago County in 1940. The airport was renamed in honor of National Aviation Hall of Fame member Steve Wittman in 1970, the same year the EAA fly-in convention came to the facility. “Wittman’s airfield configuration and our experience with large events makes us a great venue for SAFECON,” said Jim Schell, Wittman Regional Airport Director. “Hosting the nation’s top collegiate aviators for the third time in 2027 is a fantastic addition to our yearlong centennial celebration of this airport, which is a tremendous asset within our community’s transportation infrastructure.” Thanks to the establishment of NIFA, these SAFECON competitions have made their way from being held exclusively at Ivy League schools in the 1920s and early ‘30s, to making its first appearance the EAA grounds in Oshkosh in 2023 and again in 2025. Teams arrive a few days prior to the competition, bringing economic impact to Oshkosh and the surrounding area. “Bringing SAFECON to Oshkosh in 2027 is always a little like a homecoming for many of our competitors, as dozens of them are EAA members, previously attended AirVenture, or got their start in aviation through an EAA Young Eagles flight,” said Andrew Ross, NIFA Executive Director. “The passion for aviation among these future aviation leaders is evident during the competitions in the air or the classroom.”
Photo – The DC-8 landed its final flight at the Lynchburg Regional Airport Dec. 7, 2025. (Photo by Simon Barbre) – By Scotty Malta – Samaritan’s Purse retired the last flying U.S. registered Douglas DC-8 and donated it to longtime partner, Liberty University in Lynchburg, VA. The DC-8 made one final flight to its new home at the Lynchburg Regional Airport (KLYH) in Virginia on December 7, 2025. The North Carolina-based Samaritan’s Purse, a Christian humanitarian relief organization, had operated the venerable DC-8 as its primary heavy-lift aircraft since 2015. Over its years of service to Samaritan’s Purse, the DC-8 flew 219 missions, while transporting more than 9.2 million pounds of lifesaving cargo to 42 countries affected by disasters on six different continents. On Friday, December 5th, the DC-8 embarked on its final mission—carrying 9,200 shoebox gifts to Jamaica. These Operation Christmas Child shoeboxes were packed with toys, school supplies, and personal care items and were distributed to children devastated by Hurricane Melissa. These gifts reminded the children that God loves them, and they are not forgotten. The mission to Jamaica was the DC-8’s 219th mission and its final flight before it was given to Liberty University, where it will remain on display in Lynchburg, Virginia. Liberty University has one of the largest faith-based collegiate aviation programs in North America, and this historic aircraft will continue to remind students how God can use aviation as a tool for the Gospel. “For a decade, the DC-8 has helped us reach more people around the world for the Gospel—getting the right supplies and people to places devastated by disasters and crises. As the DC-8 prepares to complete its final mission, we praise God for how He has used this plane to change lives,” said Franklin Graham, president of Samaritan’s Purse. “Aviation plays a critical role in our work, and we replaced this 1968 DC-8, which has reached the end of its service life, with a 767, allowing us to transport even more supplies to people in need in Jesus’ Name.” The majority of shoebox gifts on-board the DC-8 were packed by Thomas Road Baptist Church, Lynchburg, VA and Liberty University students, faculty and staff—some of whom had the opportunity to fly on the DC-8 to personally deliver shoebox gifts to boys and girls in Jamaica. Edward Graham, joined by Jonathan Falwell and other Liberty University Leadership and students, helps distribute Operation Christmas Child shoebox gifts to children in Black River as families continue recovering from Hurricane Melissa, reminding them that God loves them and has not forgotten them. (Photo by Samaritan’s Purse) Liberty University alumna Cassie Straub, then president of Liberty’s Operation Christmas Child Club, was also on the trip to Jamaica. For many years, this club has been active on campus promoting and coordinating the collection of shoebox gifts and hosting packing parties. She said witnessing the end result was heartwarming. “Seeing the joy on the kids’ faces and knowing how much this gift means to them, it was a cool experience to see and interact with the kids. It was really cool to see how Samaritan’s Purse ties in the Gospel to the box and talks about how Jesus is the greatest gift. He is a free gift we receive, just like these shoeboxes.” “We are deeply grateful to Franklin Graham, the Graham family, and Samaritan’s Purse for their friendship in the faith and their partnership in the Gospel,” said Liberty University Chancellor Jonathan Falwell. “For generations, they have shared the love of Jesus and served people in crisis around the world. This DC-8 is not only a remarkable gift — the first of its kind to Liberty — but a powerful symbol of our shared commitment to reach the world with the life-changing message of the Gospel while meeting urgent humanitarian needs. As Liberty trains the next generation of Champions for Christ, this aircraft will remind us of God’s faithfulness and inspire our students to carry the Gospel to the nations.” —————————————– The following is an unpublished interview (March 18, 2026) by the author (Malta) with Jim “Vech” Vechery and Dr. Steven Brinly, in their own words (lightly edited): Jim Vechery, the Director of Mission Aviation Services in Greensboro for Samaritan’s Purse – “I was given the task of retiring the DC-8 by the 31st of December last year (2025) to bring on board the replacement, which is our 767-300 ER freighter. So, in the process of doing that, one of our tasks was to figure out where the final home for the DC-8 was going to be. Samaritan’s Purse DC-8 at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh. SAJ photo by Kim Stevens. And you might be aware; there is a great affinity for that particular aircraft. We call it “The Mighty DC-8”. And what I didn’t realize is how many people appreciate that aircraft. We had people calling us when the aircraft was stuck in Bangkok for a week, asking what had happened to the DC-8. We also had people wanting to come by and see the aircraft because they knew it was the last year it would operate. We were able to take it to AirVenture in Oshkosh, Wisconsin (pictured above – SAJ photo) last year in this retirement year where we got to tour over 6000 people in 3 days through the aircraft. So, it became clear to me that this plane had a follow-on mission. And my task was to figure out what that was. And I would say up to the 14th of November [2025], I was failing at the task. I was not able to find, despite having some really good leads and some really good opportunities, what the follow-on was going to be. And we had thought of the vision being turning the aircraft into some sort of museum to be able to continue to tell the story of what that airplane had done. It flew for us for 10 years, starting in 2015, its first mission was in August of 2016 down to READ MORE
Photo – Ed Bolen with aviation association leaders during EAA AirVenture Oshkosh in 2013. SAJ photo by Kim Stevens. – The National Business Aviation Association (NBAA), along with a number of national aviation associations including NASAO, GAMA, NATA, AOPA and EAA, hailed the pioneering legacy of Ed Bolen, an industry trailblazer who is retiring after nearly a quarter century as NBAA’s president and CEO. A tireless and singularly effective advocate for business aviation since joining NBAA in 2004, Bolen has been one of the industry’s most inspiring champions for more than 40 years, leading on key priorities including safety, airport and airspace access, workforce development and air traffic control modernization. 2019 Photo of Ed Bolen with Peggy Chabrian (WAI) during AirVenture Oshkosh. SAJ Photo by Kim Stevens. “It is the privilege of a lifetime to have served NBAA and the aviation community. I am incredibly proud of everything NBAA is, and of what we have accomplished together over the years,” Bolen said. “I regret having to step down because of my health, and I have been touched by the outpouring of your support. Business aviation is at its best when we come together, and I have never been more confident in NBAA’s brilliant future.” Today’s announcement follows the recent news that Bolen was taking medical leave for cancer treatment. “The nation’s state aviation leaders salute Ed Bolen as he announces his retirement from the NBAA,” said Greg Pecoraro, President and CEO of the National Association of State Aviation Officials (NASAO). “Ed’s career as a leader in the aviation industry is unsurpassed. Throughout his time on Capitol Hill, at the General Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA), and now at NBAA, he has provided thoughtful, dedicated, and passionate leadership to the industry. In recent years, Ed has been aviation’s preeminent spokesman and exemplified the best of our industry. We thank him for his service, his friendship to NASAO and state aviation agencies, and wish him the best.” Jack J. Pelton, CEO and Chairman of the Board of the Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA), said, “Ed Bolen’s impact and influence on the aviation community can be measured in so many ways, yet is immeasurable in so many others. Ed has championed important causes that have advanced aviation, from safety, airport and airspace access to air traffic control modernization. He has also been a leader in seeking consensus within the aviation community on key issues. I am proud to call Ed an esteemed colleague as well as a friend and we are keeping him in our thoughts as he steps into retirement.” The NBAA Board of Directors affirmed Dan Hubbard will continue overseeing day-to-day operations and named Hubbard Acting CEO and SVP, Communications. The Board also announced that a special executive search committee will begin a search for a new CEO. The committee will be chaired by Matt Byrd, vice chair of NBAA’s Board and president and CEO of Hillwood Aviation. “Business aviation is an immeasurably stronger, safer, more dynamic industry because of Ed’s unwavering commitment,” said John Witzig, chair of NBAA’s Board of Directors. “We have all soared higher and gone farther, driven by the power of his vision.” 2013 photo of Ed Bolen with Stacy Howard and Bob Quinn at EAA AirVenture. SAJ photo by Kim Stevens. General Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA) president and CEO, James Viola, noted that, “for decades, Ed Bolen has been a champion and stalwart for the general and business aviation industry. His dedication for the welfare and growth of the industry is truly remarkable. GAMA is forever grateful for Ed’s leadership at both NBAA and GAMA; he always stressed the importance of working together for the betterment of the industry. On behalf of GAMA and its membership, we thank Ed for his service, passion and devotion to our industry and wish him nothing but the best during this difficult time.” A private pilot and native Kansan, Bolen was introduced to flying by his father, who served on the board of the Salina Regional Airport in Kansas. Bolen’s groundbreaking work as a general aviation champion traces to his days as a Senate legislative aide for Kansas Sen. Nancy Kassebaum, in the 1990s. He played a central role in passing the historic General Aviation Revitalization Act of 1994. The legislation revived American aircraft manufacturing and preserved thousands of jobs. Bolen later advised presidents of both parties, working across party lines to bring people together to get things done. He was nominated by President Clinton and confirmed by the Senate to serve as a member of the Management Advisory Council to the Federal Aviation Administration, which he chaired from 2000 to 2004. In 2001, Bolen was appointed by President Bush to serve as a member of the Commission on the Future of the U.S. Aerospace Industry. Bolen is also a former chair of the Radio Technical Commission for Aeronautics. Ed Bolen In 2021, he was inducted as a Living Legend into the San Diego Air & Space Museum’s International Air & Space Hall of Fame, in recognition of his decades of contributions to the aviation and aerospace industry. This year, he will be honored by his home state and inducted into the Kansas Aviation Hall of Fame. “The aviation community cannot thank Ed Bolen enough for his service and leadership,” said Elizabeth Dornak, NBAA’s Board of Directors chair emeritus. “His service to aviation is unmatched over a sterling career, and so many of us are fortunate to count him as a partner and a friend.” The search for Bolen’s replacement will move forward as NBAA continues its advocacy work and rolls out a strong lineup of early 2027 events.
Photo – The DC-8 landed its final flight at the Lynchburg Regional Airport Dec. 7, 2025. (Photo by Simon Barbre) – By Scotty Malta – Samaritan’s Purse retired the last flying U.S. registered Douglas DC-8 and donated it to longtime partner, Liberty University in Lynchburg, VA. The DC-8 made one final flight to its new home READ MORE
Epic Flight Academy has announced its 2026 Aviation Scholarship Award winners, awarding a total of $135,000 in scholarships to 16 high school students. Epic awarded both pilot and aircraft mechanic scholarships across campuses. King Air Nation Foundation also contributed a $5,000 pilot scholarship. Epic student and staff advocate Phyllis Cunniffe organized the team of judges READ MORE
While most state employees in California are staying home every other Friday to comply with a mandated furlough you can still find Gary Cathey, newly appointed Aeronautics Chief at his desk in his Sacramento office. “This is my passion in life,” said Cathey. “That’s why I’m in my office on a day off!” The budget […]
