DC-8 Plane Gifted to Liberty University
Help Liberty University Soar Higher: Preserving a Legacy of Mission, Innovation, and Faith
Liberty University proudly honors a unique and historic gift – the last flying U.S.-registered DC-8 aircraft, generously donated by Samaritan’s Purse.
This remarkable plane, retired after more than 60 years of service and nearly a decade of impactful global relief missions, now finds a new home with Liberty’s faith-driven aviation program, which is one of the largest of its kind in North America.
More Than an Aircraft – A Living Legacy
Located at the Lynchburg Regional Airport, the DC-8 will stand as a permanent, mission-focused landmark honoring the vital role aviation plays in humanitarian aid worldwide.
This won’t be just a static display, but a beacon of hope, service, and education; a strategic component of the LU Aviation Initiative.
The last U.S.-registered DC-8 plane touched down at Lynchburg Regional Airport on Sunday, December 7, 2025 at 12:45 p.m., finishing its final mission before officially entering retirement.
Read more from Liberty News about the DC-8’s last mission to Jamaica
Transforming History into Inspiration and Education
Liberty University’s DC-8 Living Hope Initiative will bring together engineering, aviation, history, and faith-filled service—all in one extraordinary experience:
A Museum-Quality Exhibit
Preserved with care, the DC-8 will showcase aviation heritage like never before.
Guided Tours & Immersive Experiences
Visitors will step inside and explore stories of mission aviation’s development and impact.
Hands-On Learning Platform
Students, families, and enthusiasts will engage with real-world aviation in a dynamic educational environment.
A Community Space
The aircraft will be positioned in a location where visitors can learn, connect, and be inspired.
What is the LU Missions Aviation Initiative?
For nearly ten years, Samaritan’s Purse’s DC-8 transported over nine million pounds of relief supplies across 200+ missions—spreading hope through Jesus’ name. Liberty University now carries this legacy forward by investing in the following:
- The DC-8 Living Hope Initiative will serve as a tribute to past service and future instruction and inspiration.
- The Mission Aviation Endowment Fund will help reduce the burden of financial debt so that LU graduate aviators can seek God’s calling and serve faithfully wherever He leads. Hundreds of our students have expressed passionate interest in missions aviation. This fund creates a pathway to pursue God’s calling on their lives.
- The New London Mission Aviation Training Center Fund will provide advanced training and collaboration with major corporate, missions, and ministry partners. These efforts will take place at a new state-of-the-art, fully renovated facility at the New London Airport. Established as a centerpiece in the mission aviation program, the airport, owned by LU, is located 12 miles from the university.
Donations to the LU Missions Aviation Initiative will enable Liberty University graduates to serve on the cutting edge of missions aviation – bringing in the Gospel, providing relief, and supporting Christian workers in the field. Our total goal is to raise $14 million for the initiatives above. Your generous gifts towards this goal will become lasting symbols of faith, innovation, and global impact.
“As Liberty continues the mission of training the next generation of Champions for Christ who will serve through mission aviation, this aircraft will be an encouraging reminder of our past while pointing boldly to the future, inspiring our students to reach the nations for Christ.”
– Chancellor Jonathan Falwell