Vintage wings for retired vets. Organization enables seniors to fulfill their dreams of flying

Eric Keith/St. Joseph News-Press

The red and white Stearman biplane dropped below the squall line northeast of St. Joseph on Thursday, headed for Rosecrans Memorial Airport.

Sitting in the vintage aircraft’s open cockpit manipulating the manual controls was a pilot from Carson City, Nev. Darryl Fisher created a nonprofit organization, Ageless Aviation Dreams, to recognize seniors and veterans living in long-term care facilities and help them fulfill their flying dreams.

A stiff and warm breeze blanketed the dozen seniors and staff members from Vintage Gardens who came to watch as one of their own, Robert Powell, a former Navy pilot and instructor, rode the vintage plane.

The two pilots met for the first time in front of Express Flight.

“We’d gotten a phone call from Mr. Fisher saying he’d be in the area on Sept. 1 and he’d like to take a senior flying above St. Joseph,” said Patty Mathews, Vintage Gardens executive director. “Well, anyone who’s ever talked with Bob knows his love for flying and it just seemed like a natural.”

Mr. Powell, who still carries a copy of his pilot’s license, handed over his phone, hearing aid and Navy “Top Gun” ball cap. The man who spent 30 years as a volunteer member of the Employers Support of the Guard and Reserve, walked straight and tall to the plane. He climbed firmly up the steps and moved out onto the wing. Then he swung one leg and then the other up and over the fuselage, landing on his seat. He stepped down on the floor and plunked into his seat.

The Navy labeled the Stearman biplane an N2S and it was a plane that Mr. Powell said he’d flown repeatedly during World War II.

Strapped in to the safety harness and helmet with earphones in place, Mr. Powell gave the audience a thumbs up as Mr. Fisher hit the electric starter. The engine ignited and the propeller began spinning. The plane zig-zagged down the taxiway because the pilot can’t see what’s in front unless he turns to the side. The biplane rolled out onto runway 17, picked up speed, leapt skyward and sailed south toward Lake Contrary.

“I got to see the water and what’s still out there. It’s plenty dramatic,” Mr. Powell said.

The biplane purred along, curving eastward toward the old Quaker Oats plant, now Lifeline Foods. About 20 minutes later, after traveling the length of the Belt Highway and seeing a bird’s eye view of the city, it was time for the Stearman to land.

“I wish everybody here had the opportunity I had today,” Mr. Powell said.

Mr. Fisher said he has to pinch himself when he meets people like Mr. Powell. “People are so thankful,” he said. “The reception’s phenomenal.”

The Stearman will head for home later this month and Mr. Fisher will begin planning his 2012 veterans tour.

For more information about Ageless Aviation Dreams, go to www.agelessaviationdreams.org.

Source:   http://www.newspressnow.com