Founded Falwell Airport With His Brother In 1946
One of the founders of Falwell Airport in Lynchburg, VA has Gone West. Lawrence Falwell passed away Saturday at the age of 94.
Television station WSLS reports that Falwell and his late brother founded the airport in 1946. He and his brother Calvin were first cousins of the late Rev. Jerry Falwell, and Lawrence would fly Rev. Falwell around the country to preach during the early days of his ministry. Jerry Falwell Jr. said that access to an airplane and the airport made a big difference in his father's ministry.
Lawrence Falwell was inducted into the Virginia Aviation Hall of Fame in 1991, five years after his brother Calvin was so honored. He was an FAA designated flight examiner, and a recipient of the FAA's Wright Brothers Master Pilot Award for flying 50 years without an accident, and along with his brother won the Virginia Aviation Lifetime Achievement Award.
The airport was purchased in 2009 by Liberty University, and the Falwell's legacy is being carried on in the university's aviation program.