Last Flying U.S. DC-8 Gets Permanent Home at Virginia Airport

Aircraft will become part of an interactive museum and pavilion open to the public.

Jack Daleo

Thursday, September 24, 2026 at 01:00 PM ET

Verified

Edited By:

Travis Tingle

The last flying U.S.-registered Douglas DC-8 was retired and donated to Liberty University in 2025. [Credit: Samaritan’s Purse]

Key Takeaways:

The last U.S.-registered flying Douglas DC-8 has been donated to Liberty University to become the centerpiece of an aviation STEM and workforce-development destination at Lynchburg Regional Airport.
Named the "DC-8 Overlook," this project, supported by a Boeing grant, aims to inspire future aviation professionals through educational exhibits, tours, and various learning programs.
The aircraft, a rare 1968 combi variant, was previously used by humanitarian relief organization Samaritan's Purse and represents one of the last active DC-8s globally.

See a mistake? Contact us.

The last flying U.S.-registered Douglas DC-8, retired in 2025, will soon take on a new mission—engaging and inspiring students and members of the public at Lynchburg Regional Airport (KLYH) in Virginia.

The venerable DC-8 was donated to Liberty University by North Carolina-based humanitarian relief organization Samaritan’s Purse. The Christian university plans to turn it into a “permanent, mission-focused landmark” at Lynchburg’s Preston Glenn Field and said Monday that the project is backed by a grant from Boeing.

Last Flying U.S. DC-8 Gets Permanent Home at Virginia Airport

Aircraft will become part of an interactive museum and pavilion open to the public.

Key Takeaways:

Sign up to keep reading

Sign up to keep reading

Ready to Sell Your Aircraft?