Close-up view of the tail section of the modified C-141 Kuiper Airborne Observatory, (KAO) (NASA-714), during its demolition on the N211 apron at Moffett Field, California.

Removing the skin from the airframe of the modified C-141 Kuiper Airborne Observatory, (KAO) (NASA-714), on the N211 apron at Moffett Field, California.

Richard Kolyer unfolds the drone and prepares it for flight around the modified C-141 Kuiper Airborne Observatory, (KAO) (NASA-714).

The drone follows an autonomously defined path around the modified C-141 Kuiper Airborne Observatory, (KAO) (NASA-714), on the N211 apron. The drone photographs the aircraft with a visible and infrared camera which are processed using a photogrammetry software package called Pix4D that converts them into a 3D model. Scanning the aircraft is the first phase of documenting the aircraft demolition as well as an opportunity to train pilots to operate the Pix4D software.

The tail section of the modified C-141 Kuiper Airborne Observatory, (KAO) (NASA-714), severed from the fuselage on the N211 apron of Moffett Field, California.

The tail section of the modified C-141 Kuiper Airborne Observatory, (KAO) (NASA-714), severed from the fuselage on the N211 apron of Moffett Field, California.

The telescope mount in the modified C-141 Kuiper Airborne Observatory, (KAO) (NASA-714), during its demolition on the N211 apron at Moffett Field, California.

Mission Director Stephen Patterson at his workstation at the console of the modified C-141 Kuiper Airborne Observatory, (KAO) (NASA-714).

The cockpit of the modified C-141 Kuiper Airborne Observatory, (KAO) (NASA-714), is separated from the airframe on the N211 apron at Moffett Field, California.

The science instrument mount/telescope flange leading to the telescope cavity. The port work area is where science instruments were connected to the telescope. Astronomers and the science team sat immediately to the left in the port work area on the modified C-141 Kuiper Airborne Observatory, (KAO) (NASA-714), (seats have been removed).

Close-up front view of the modified C-141 Kuiper Airborne Observatory, (KAO) (NASA-714), on the N211 apron at Moffett Field, California.

The drone follows an autonomously defined path around the modified C-141 Kuiper Airborne Observatory, (KAO) (NASA-714), on the N211 apron. The drone photographs the aircraft with a visible and infrared camera which are processed using a photogrammetry software package called Pix4D that converts them into a 3D model. Scanning the aircraft is the first phase of documenting the aircraft demolition as well as an opportunity to train pilots to operate the Pix4D software.

Cables in the modified C-141 Kuiper Airborne Observatory, (KAO) (NASA-714), severed prior to removing the cockpit on the N211 apron at Moffett Field, California.

The cockpit of the modified C-141 Kuiper Airborne Observatory, (KAO) (NASA-714), is separated from the airframe on the N211 apron at Moffett Field, California.

Yellow straps are threaded through the airframe of the modified C-141 Kuiper Airborne Observatory, (KAO) (NASA-714), before removing the cockpit on the N211 apron at Moffett Field, California.

Cables in the modified C-141 Kuiper Airborne Observatory, (KAO) (NASA-714), severed prior to removing the cockpit on the N211 apron at Moffett Field, California.

The cockpit of the modified C-141 Kuiper Airborne Observatory, (KAO) (NASA-714), is separated from the airframe on the N211 apron at Moffett Field, California.

Demolition of the modified C-141 Kuiper Airborne Observatory, (KAO) (NASA-714), on the N211 apron at Moffett Field, California.

Cables in the modified C-141 Kuiper Airborne Observatory, (KAO) (NASA-714), severed prior to removing the cockpit on the N211 apron at Moffett Field, California.

A Volvo Crawler Excavator severs the airframe, separating the tail section from the fuselage, of the modified C-141 Kuiper Airborne Observatory, (KAO) (NASA-714), on the N211 apron of Moffett Field, California.

Monty Miranda in the telescope reticle during the demolition of the modified C-141 Kuiper Airborne Observatory, (KAO) (NASA-714), on the N211 apron at Moffett Field, California.

The modified C-141 Kuiper Airborne Observatory, (KAO) (NASA-714), is demolished on the N211 apron at Moffett Field, California.

The drone follows an autonomously defined path around the modified C-141 Kuiper Airborne Observatory, (KAO) (NASA-714), on the N211 apron. The drone photographs the aircraft with a visible and infrared camera which are processed using a photogrammetry software package called Pix4D that converts them into a 3D model. Scanning the aircraft is the first phase of documenting the aircraft demolition as well as an opportunity to train pilots to operate the Pix4D software.

The cockpit of the modified C-141 Kuiper Airborne Observatory, (KAO) (NASA-714), is separated from the airframe on the N211 apron at Moffett Field, California.

The drone follows an autonomously defined path around the modified C-141 Kuiper Airborne Observatory, (KAO) (NASA-714), on the N211 apron. The drone photographs the aircraft with a visible and infrared camera which are processed using a photogrammetry software package called Pix4D that converts them into a 3D model. Scanning the aircraft is the first phase of documenting the aircraft demolition as well as an opportunity to train pilots to operate the Pix4D software.

Yellow straps fasten the cockpit of the modified C-141 Kuiper Airborne Observatory, (KAO) (NASA-714), to the trailer that carries it off the N211 apron at Moffett Field, California.

Removing the skin from the airframe of the modified C-141 Kuiper Airborne Observatory, (KAO) (NASA-714), on the N211 apron at Moffett Field, California.

Two nitrogen, LN2, tanks mounted in the aft section of the modified C-141 Kuiper Airborne Observatory, (KAO) (NASA-714), used to cool and purge moisture from the telescope cavity. The aft pressure door, hinged at top, was closed during flight; the clamshell cargo doors in the aft fuselage could also lower the aft ramp to allow supplies to be driven aboard.

The modified C-141 Kuiper Airborne Observatory, (KAO) (NASA-714), is demolished on the N211 apron at Moffett Field, California.

A Volvo Crawler Excavator severs the airframe, separating the tail section from the fuselage, of the modified C-141 Kuiper Airborne Observatory, (KAO) (NASA-714), on the N211 apron of Moffett Field, California.

Daylight shines through the airframe of the modified C-141 Kuiper Airborne Observatory, (KAO) (NASA-714), fuselage during its demolition on the N211 apron at Moffett Field, California

Yellow straps fasten the cockpit of the modified C-141 Kuiper Airborne Observatory, (KAO) (NASA-714), to the trailer that carries it off the N211 apron at Moffett Field, California.

Cables in the modified C-141 Kuiper Airborne Observatory, (KAO) (NASA-714), severed prior to removing the cockpit on the N211 apron at Moffett Field, California.

Daylight shines through the airframe of the modified C-141 Kuiper Airborne Observatory, (KAO) (NASA-714), fuselage during its demolition on the N211 apron at Moffett Field, California

The skin is removed from the airframe of the modified C-141 Kuiper Airborne Observatory, (KAO) (NASA-714), on the N211 apron at Moffett Field, California.

Cables in the modified C-141 Kuiper Airborne Observatory, (KAO) (NASA-714), severed prior to removing the cockpit on the N211 apron at Moffett Field, California.

Yellow straps are threaded through the airframe of the modified C-141 Kuiper Airborne Observatory, (KAO) (NASA-714), before removing the cockpit on the N211 apron at Moffett Field, California.

The drone follows an autonomously defined path around the modified C-141 Kuiper Airborne Observatory, (KAO) (NASA-714), on the N211 apron. The drone photographs the aircraft with a visible and infrared camera which are processed using a photogrammetry software package called Pix4D that converts them into a 3D model. Scanning the aircraft is the first phase of documenting the aircraft demolition as well as an opportunity to train pilots to operate the Pix4D software.

Oxygen regulator pressure demand. Aft of the port side work area. Everyone flying on the Kuiper Airborne Observatory, (KAO) (NASA-714), needed to have their own oxygen mask and operate their regulator.

The modified C-141 Kuiper Airborne Observatory, (KAO) (NASA-714), is demolished on the N211 apron at Moffett Field, California.

The tail section of the modified C-141 Kuiper Airborne Observatory, (KAO) (NASA-714), severed from the fuselage on the N211 apron of Moffett Field, California.

Close-up view of the tail section of the modified C-141 Kuiper Airborne Observatory, (KAO) (NASA-714), severed from the fuselage on the N211 apron at Moffett Field, California.

Yellow straps are threaded through the airframe of the modified C-141 Kuiper Airborne Observatory, (KAO) (NASA-714), before removing the cockpit on the N211 apron at Moffett Field, California.

The modified C-141 Kuiper Airborne Observatory, (KAO) (NASA-714), is demolished on the N211 apron at Moffett Field, California.

Close-up view of the tail section of the modified C-141 Kuiper Airborne Observatory, (KAO) (NASA-714), severed from the fuselage on the N211 apron at Moffett Field, California.

A Volvo Crawler Excavator severs the airframe, separating the tail section from the fuselage, of the modified C-141 Kuiper Airborne Observatory, (KAO) (NASA-714), on the N211 apron of Moffett Field, California.

Rear view of the modified C-141 Kuiper Airborne Observatory, (KAO) (NASA-714), on the N211 apron at Moffett Field, California.

A Volvo Crawler Excavator severs the airframe, separating the tail section from the fuselage, of the modified C-141 Kuiper Airborne Observatory, (KAO) (NASA-714), on the N211 apron of Moffett Field, California.

The cockpit of the modified C-141 Kuiper Airborne Observatory, (KAO) (NASA-714), is separated from the airframe on the N211 apron at Moffett Field, California.

The drone follows an autonomously defined path around the modified C-141 Kuiper Airborne Observatory, (KAO) (NASA-714), on the N211 apron. The drone photographs the aircraft with a visible and infrared camera which are processed using a photogrammetry software package called Pix4D that converts them into a 3D model. Scanning the aircraft is the first phase of documenting the aircraft demolition as well as an opportunity to train pilots to operate the Pix4D software.

A Volvo Crawler Excavator severs the airframe, separating the tail section from the fuselage, of the modified C-141 Kuiper Airborne Observatory, (KAO) (NASA-714), on the N211 apron of Moffett Field, California.

Cables in the modified C-141 Kuiper Airborne Observatory, (KAO) (NASA-714), severed prior to removing the cockpit on the N211 apron at Moffett Field, California.

Aircraft demolition of the modified C-141 Kuiper Airborne Observatory, (KAO) (NASA-714), on the N211 apron at Moffett Field, California.

A Volvo Crawler Excavator severs the airframe, separating the tail section from the fuselage, of the modified C-141 Kuiper Airborne Observatory, (KAO) (NASA-714), on the N211 apron of Moffett Field, California.

A Volvo Crawler Excavator severs the airframe, separating the tail section from the fuselage, of the modified C-141 Kuiper Airborne Observatory, (KAO) (NASA-714), on the N211 apron of Moffett Field, California.

A Volvo Crawler Excavator severs the airframe, separating the tail section from the fuselage, of the modified C-141 Kuiper Airborne Observatory, (KAO) (NASA-714), on the N211 apron of Moffett Field, California.

Cables in the modified C-141 Kuiper Airborne Observatory, (KAO) (NASA-714), severed prior to removing the cockpit on the N211 apron at Moffett Field, California.

Three-quarter front view of the modified C-141 Kuiper Airborne Observatory, (KAO) (NASA-714), with the telescope aperture open on the N211 apron at Moffett Field, California.

Profile view of the modified C-141 Kuiper Airborne Observatory, (KAO) (NASA-714), with the telescope aperture open on the N211 apron at Moffett Field, California.

Removing the skin from the airframe of the modified C-141 Kuiper Airborne Observatory, (KAO) (NASA-714), on the N211 apron at Moffett Field, California.

The drone follows an autonomously defined path around the modified C-141 Kuiper Airborne Observatory, (KAO) (NASA-714), on the N211 apron. The drone photographs the aircraft with a visible and infrared camera which are processed using a photogrammetry software package called Pix4D that converts them into a 3D model. Scanning the aircraft is the first phase of documenting the aircraft demolition as well as an opportunity to train pilots to operate the Pix4D software.

Richard Kolyer, left, with Jonas Jonsson guide the drone to land behind the modified C-141 Kuiper Airborne Observatory, (KAO) (NASA-714), on the N211 apron.

Richard Kolyer, left, with Jonas Jonsson guide the drone to land behind the modified C-141 Kuiper Airborne Observatory, (KAO) (NASA-714), on the N211 apron.

The drone follows an autonomously defined path around the modified C-141 Kuiper Airborne Observatory, (KAO) (NASA-714), on the N211 apron. The drone photographs the aircraft with a visible and infrared camera which are processed using a photogrammetry software package called Pix4D that converts them into a 3D model. Scanning the aircraft is the first phase of documenting the aircraft demolition as well as an opportunity to train pilots to operate the Pix4D software.

The console holds the mission director’s workstation, left, the telescope operator’s station, and the data systems operator’s station, right, of the Kuiper Airborne Observatory, (KAO) (NASA-714).

Removing the skin from the airframe of the modified C-141 Kuiper Airborne Observatory, (KAO) (NASA-714), on the N211 apron at Moffett Field, California.

Aircraft demolition of the modified C-141 Kuiper Airborne Observatory, (KAO) (NASA-714), on the N211 apron at Moffett Field, California.

The tail section of the modified C-141 Kuiper Airborne Observatory, (KAO) (NASA-714), severed from the fuselage on the N211 apron of Moffett Field, California.

Forward view of the modified C-141 Kuiper Airborne Observatory, (KAO) (NASA-714), after the cockpit is removed on the N211 apron at Moffett Field, California.

Daylight shines through the airframe during the demolition of the modified C-141 Kuiper Airborne Observatory, (KAO) (NASA-714), tail section on the N211 apron at Moffett Field, California.

The cockpit of the modified C-141 Kuiper Airborne Observatory, (KAO) (NASA-714), is separated from the airframe on the N211 apron at Moffett Field, California.

Daylight shines through the airframe of the fuselage onto the mission director’s and telescope operator’s workstations of the modified C-141 Kuiper Airborne Observatory, (KAO) (NASA-714), during its demolition on the N211 apron at Moffett Field, California.

Photo composite (11 frames) of the modified C-141 Kuiper Airborne Observatory, (KAO) (NASA-714), beneath the wing on the N211 apron at Moffett Field, California.

Photo composite (8 frames) of the flight deck of the modified C-141 Kuiper Airborne Observatory, (KAO) (NASA-714), with stations for the flight engineer, co-pilot, pilot, and navigator, who typically only flew on long overseas flights.

Edwin W. Lewis Jr. is a research pilot in the Airborne Science program, Flight Crew Branch, Dryden Flight Research Center, Edwards, California. He currently flies the DC-8, F/A-18, Lear Jet 24, King Air, and T-34C in support of Dryden's flight operations and is mentor pilot for the King Air and the Lear Jet. Prior to accepting this assignment Lewis was a pilot for eight years at NASA's Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, California, flying 10 different aircraft C-130B, DC-8-72, UH-1, SH-3, King Air, Lear 24, T-38A, T-39G and YO-3A in support of NASA flight missions. Lewis also flew the Kuiper Airborne Observatory (a modified civilian version of the Lockheed C-141 Starlifter). He was project pilot for Ames' 747 and T-38 programs. Lewis was born in New York City on May 19, 1936, and began flight training as a Civil Air Patrol cadet in 1951, ultimately earning his commercial pilot's certificate in 1958. He received a bachelor of arts degree in biology from Hobart College, Geneva, N.Y., and entered the U.S. Air Force through the Reserve Officer Training Corps. Following pilot training he was assigned to Moody Air Force Base, Ga., as an instructor pilot, for both the T-33 and T-37 aircraft. He served in Vietnam in 1965 and 1966, where he was a forward air controller, instructor and standardization/evaluation pilot, flying more than 1,000 hours in the O-1 "Bird Dog." Lewis separated from the regular Air Force and joined Pan American World Airways and the 129th Air Commando Group, California Air National Guard (ANG) based in Hayward, California. During his 18-year career with the California ANG he flew the U-6, U-10, C-119, HC-130 aircraft and the HH-3 helicopter. He retired as commander, 129th Air Rescue and Recovery Group, a composite combat rescue group, in the grade of colonel. During his 22 years as an airline pilot, he flew the Boeing 707, 727 and 747. He took early retirement from Pan American in 1989 to become a pilot with NASA.