Country Star Dierks Bentley Supports 2026 Special Olympics Airlift Mission | Aviation International News

Country Star Supports 2026 Special Olympics Airlift

Textron Aviation airlift tradition dates back to inaugural 1987 mission

Bentley calls fellow pilots to action — A screenshot from Bentley's video calling pilots to join the 2026 Airlift

By Amy Wilder • Writer

September 10, 2025

Country music star and pilot Dierks Bentley has pledged his support for Textron Aviation’s 2026 Special Olympics Airlift, a nationwide volunteer mission that will transport athletes and coaches to the 2026 Special Olympics USA Games in Minnesota. The star invited pilots and owners to participate in a video call to action.

The airlift, first organized in 1987, mobilizes hundreds of Cessna, Beechcraft, and Hawker aircraft owners and operators who donate their aircraft, crews, fuel, and time. Participating flights receive priority handling and the “Dove” call sign while transporting athletes to the games. The program has served more than 10,000 athletes and coaches in its more than three decades.

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