Nevin Showman: A Promise Followed Through

A week before Captain John passed away, he brought up the conversation Nevin had been dreading. They talked about 49Bravo's future—about a time when John would no longer be here.

John spoke carefully. The plane would go to his wife, Barbara, for her security. But he had a hope: that Nevin might find a way to keep 49Bravo flying Angel Flight missions. They both knew the obstacle would be money. John offered suggestions. Nevin's emotions threatened to overwhelm him.

When Nevin finally responded, he didn't address the logistics. Instead, he thanked John for their years together, for the mentorship, for making him a better pilot. He said his heart would be content even if he never flew again. Then he told John he loved him.

After a long pause, Nevin made a promise: he would try his best to find a way forward. If he did, he'd continue as long as finances allowed. And when that time came, he'd figure out the right path for 49Bravo's future.

John's response was immediate—that famous smile spreading across his face. They never discussed 49Bravo again.

Keeping the Promise

Nevin kept his word. He purchased 49Bravo from Barbara with her blessing, knowing he would carry on John's work. On June 9th, 2022, he completed the first Angel Flight after John's passing.

Over the next two years, 49Bravo and Nevin flew forty Angel Flight missions throughout the Mid-Atlantic region—from mountain-top airstrips to major airports. Children and adults in need became like family. Their courage and gratitude made Nevin feel, as it always had with John, that they were the ones being helped.

They also flew over forty "Share the Passion" flights—a name Nevin chose to honor John's love of showing others the beauty of their valley from above.

In August 2024, 49Bravo completed her 502nd Angel Flight mission, surpassing Nevin's personal goal of 500.

But the reality of costs couldn't be ignored.

Finding the Right Home

Nevin knew one thing with certainty: he would never sell 49Bravo to a stranger who would fly her away. It wasn't about getting the best price. It was about honoring John's legacy.

His hopes were specific, perhaps impossibly so:

• A local pilot who knew Captain John
• Someone with a passion for charitable flying
• Someone who would keep 49Bravo at Luray, ideally in her hangar
• A commitment to honor John with a decal if the plane was ever repainted

In November 2024, everything fell into place.

Christian Goebal—a local flight instructor who had helped Nevin earn both his pilot's license and instrument rating—became 49Bravo's new owner. Christian had known and admired Captain John. He'd long wanted to use his love of flying to help others the same way. He agreed to keep 49Bravo in her hangar. When the time comes to paint her, a decal will honor Captain John.

But the story gets better.

Christian put Nevin on his insurance with full flying rights—Nevin only pays for fuel. That means Angel Flights and Share the Passion flights continue, just without the major expense of ownership.

Christian is currently upgrading 49Bravo's panel, something John and Nevin had always hoped to do but couldn't afford.

And perhaps best of all: Christian is now an official pilot for Mercy Medical Angels/Angel Flight Mid-Atlantic. Their first mission together is on the horizon.

Three Years Later

Today marks three years since Captain John took his final flight.

49Bravo remains at Luray in her hangar. She'll be back in the air when the panel upgrade finishes in late April. Christian will give her new adventures. Nevin will continue flying her as often as home obligations allow.

The promise has been kept—and exceeded in ways Nevin never imagined possible.

"I feel, deep within my heart, that he may have had a hand in all of this," Nevin reflects. "I can see him now with that great big smile on his face."

Captain John's legacy of compassion, service, and love of flying lives on.

‍