Captain David L. Heemstra was born August 22, 1956, in Sheldon, Iowa. Throughout his life, he’s had a passion for flying. As a child, he read every book in the library about airplanes. Later, he worked at the local airport where he learned to fly. By the time he graduated from High School, he earned his Student, Private, Commercial, and Multi-engine Rating. He then enlisted in the United States Air Force where he worked as a crew chief on B-52s. He added the Airframe & Powerplant Rating to his list of ratings. He later earned his Flight Engineer License where he flew on C-141 Starlifters, and VC-135 aircraft. He added an Instrument Rating to his Pilot’s License. While serving, he attended Embry Riddle Aeronautical University and earned a BS in Professional Aeronautics, and a MAS in Aeronautical Science. After 20 years military service, he flew for Atlas Air as a flight engineer on B747-100/200/300 aircraft. He earned his Certified Flight Instructor License, both CFI & CFII. In his spare time, he flight instructed at military aero clubs in the Washington DC area. He later secured his Airline Transport Rating. When the opportunity arose, he upgraded to First Officer on the 747-200/300. He later transitioned to the B747-400 as First Officer, and is now flying as Captain on the B747-400/-8/LCF(Dreamlifter). Captain Dave has been called a, “Pilot’s Pilot,” by his fellow aviators. An avid reader of Aviation History, Captain Dave is probably the best person to visit the Air & Space Museum with. He loves talking about flying. Captain Heemstra’s life can best be described as serving his family, fellow airman, and serving the Christ he truly believes is the Lord and Creator of all air and space. He is celebrated today for his 61+ great years by his adoring wife, and two sons.