Lions Club announces FAA sending decommissioned ‘Air Force One’ to Lyndonville

Press Release and renderings courtesy of Lyndonville Lions Club

LYNDONVILLE – The Lyndonville Lions Club was recently notified by the Federal Aviation Administration that its sealed bid and proposal for the soon-to-be decommissioned Boeing 747 known as “Air Force One” has been accepted.

Club members were delighted by the decision, which marks the culmination of a two-year effort spearheaded by the Lions to secure this iconic piece of American history.

The successful proposal was grounded in the organization’s comprehensive plan to showcase the aircraft in a dignified and respectful manner, ensuring its historical significance is preserved for the public.

The effort was further strengthened by a substantial financial commitment from anonymous local donors, reflecting strong community support for the project.

The proposal and project are scheduled to officially kick off on Saturday, July 4, 2026, during the Lions’ annual Independence Day celebration, with a ceremonial groundbreaking planned just before noon.

Working in close partnership with the Village of Lyndonville and the Town of Yates, the Lions successfully secured the necessary financial backing and developed a proposal that will bring this iconic symbol of American freedom to Veterans Memorial Park in the Village of Lyndonville.

Due to significant space limitations, the Lyndonville Lions engaged the services of Canadian structural engineering firm Dewey, Cheatum and Howe to design an innovative plan to make this vision a reality. Club members have long sought a major attraction to draw visitors to the Town of Yates and Orleans County, and they believe this project has the potential to do just that.

The proposed engineering plan calls for the aircraft to be elevated on four large steel-and-concrete pillars, positioning it above the existing parking lot and mill pond on the west side of Main Street. To reduce costs and promote environmental sustainability, refurbished steel and concrete from the recently decommissioned Somerset Coal-Fired Electrical Generating Station will be incorporated into the project, emphasizing the use of recycled materials.

Project planners were also able to navigate several potential regulatory challenges. Several road blocks and red tape were sidestepped since none of the supporting piers will make contact with the water, certain Department of Environmental Conservation and EPA requirements did not apply and were waived.

The Town of Yates is excited by this project, noting that its over-water design preserves valuable taxable land. One remaining federal requirement will be addressed during the installation phase, when the aircraft is mounted atop the 150-foot pillars.

Originally, the aircraft was to be positioned facing south. However, after further analysis of prevailing wind patterns and migratory bird flight paths, the design has been adjusted, rotating the plane 90 degrees so that it will ultimately face east. Consulting engineers involved in this decision believe the revised orientation will enhance the visual impact, creating the impression of the aircraft descending toward Maple Avenue in the Village of Lyndonville.

The Lions have also reassured village officials that concerns regarding approach lighting and landing lights along Maple Avenue will not be necessary.

The Lyndonville Lions Club extends its appreciation to the Canadian government for granting a limited territorial exemption related to North American waterfowl flyways. This consideration reflects the unique status of the Canadian geese residing in the Lyndonville area, which are now considered largely domesticated and non-migratory. The Canadian government was happy to have Lyndonville keep these birds.

Overall, the small group of individuals involved in planning this project—who were sworn to confidentiality—will remain anonymous. It is anticipated that complaints may arise, and any such matters will be addressed at the village and town levels as appropriate.

The committee has proactively engaged with the No Wind Turbine Committee to address potential concerns. They have confirmed that the aircraft’s engines will be locked and sealed to prevent noise caused by prevailing winds passing through the turbines, and they will not be used for any form of energy generation.

In addition, the committee has received interest from both local and international investors regarding potential future enhancements to the project. While no decisions have been finalized, concepts under consideration have included a casino, an elevated bar and restaurant complex, a brewery, and even a hostel, all aimed at further enhancing the site as a destination.

The Lyndonville Lions would like to wish everyone a Happy April Fool’s Day!