Here is a wonderful story from the San Antonio Express News that takes the Growing Bolder philosophy sky high! It’s actually two stories in one, first, older pilots getting the chance to climb back into the cockpit and second, the intriguing organization that makes it possible.
The organization has a great name, it’s The Ageless Aviation Dreams Foundation. Here’s how they describe themselves on their website:
The Ageless Aviation Dreams Foundation is a non-profit organization established and dedicated to honoring seniors and United States military veterans. The primary focus is on individuals living in long-term care communities. Our mission is to “Give Back To Those Who Have Given”. Through our donors, the Foundation provides Dream Flights in a Boeing Stearman biplane, the same aircraft used to train many military aviators in the 1940’s.
They are a national organization, meaning you might be able to get them to come to you! In this case the Express News followed them to two retirement communities and saw the magic take place first hand, when 102-year-old Retired Air Force test pilot Gerhard Schriever was invited to head back up into the blue.
You can take a look at their article and learn how to perhaps make this happen for some veterans in your area by clicking here.