Liberty alumni fly Lynchburg’s first flights from Chicago and to D.C. as pilots for SkyWest

As the City of Lynchburg celebrated new, daily flights from Lynchburg Regional Airport to Washington-Dulles International Airport (IAD) and Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD) on Tuesday, greatly expanding its jet service and connecting local travelers to over 200 locations around the world, two pilots were thrilled to be making a Lynchburg connection of their own.

Captain Nicholas Kanode (’23) and First Officer Davis Smith II (’24) are both graduates of Liberty University School of Aeronautics and pilots with SkyWest Airlines, the regional airline operating the new United Express flights to Lynchburg. The two flew the first flight from Chicago to Lynchburg at 6:50 p.m. on Tuesday and departed for Washington-Dulles at 8:04 p.m. In between the flights, the pilots said they were honored to take part in the historic moment for the Lynchburg community and to represent their alma mater.

“I did a lot of flying here,” Kanode said after landing to a ceremonial water cannon salute from firetrucks on the runway. Kanode earned his Bachelor of Science in Aeronautics residentially at Liberty. “I haven’t been back (near campus) in probably two years. So, it was pretty neat flying over and coming down the final approach right over the campus, seeing the Freedom Tower, seeing the Monogram, and remembering the time I had here.”

“Liberty has a pretty excellent flight instruction program,” he added. “Their setup models what we do at the airline. Everything (at Liberty) is very regimented and structured just like the airlines. (Liberty) does a very excellent job at preparing you for an airline job. … A big thank you to Dr. (Steven) Brinly (dean) and the rest of the School of Aeronautics for teaching us how to get here.”

For Smith, a graduate of Liberty’s online Bachelor of Science in Aviation program, flying with a fellow pilot from Liberty made the inaugural flight even more special.

“From the get-go, we had that connection through Liberty,” he said. “For me, it’s a special moment, because this was my first time (near) campus. … The training (from Liberty) was top-notch.”

That robust training available through Liberty’s programs is critical to ensure graduates are ready and able to secure jobs in the competitive aviation industry. SkyWest, in particular, is known for its high standards for its employees.

“Today’s inaugural United Express flight into Lynchburg is a historic moment for our city and a powerful reflection of the School of Aeronautics’ mission in action,” said Brinly, who greeted both pilots on the tarmac Tuesday evening. “Captain Kanode and First Officer Smith are demonstrating how Liberty equips, mentors, and sends Champions for Christ into the aerospace community.”

“We are also proud of the many Liberty alumni who have been hired by SkyWest in various parts of their operations, helping make this milestone possible,” Brinly added, noting that commercial aviation alumnus J.J. McCracken (’17) worked as a dispatcher for Tuesday morning’s flights.

The city held a celebratory press conference for the expanded jet service on Tuesday morning with local business and government leaders, airport officials, and United Airlines leadership applauding the partnership.

These new northern routes will be a meaningful step forward in creating new opportunities and greatly bolstering Lynchburg’s economic development.

Liberty’s School of Aeronautics equips students with the tools and experiences necessary for successful careers in aviation or in unmanned aerial systems. Liberty offers both residential and online degree paths, both of which hold FAA approval. Learn more by visiting Liberty.edu/Aeronautics.