Group Arranges For Veteran To Fly Vintage Plane

JOHNS CREEK, GA --  Johns Creek Veterans Association member Jeff Heal had plenty of “stick time” as a military pilot, but on April 26, he had a new experience in the air: flying an open cockpit biplane! 

Ageless Aviation is a nonprofit organization dedicated to honoring veterans, primarily WW II and Korean wars, in assisted living facilities by giving them rides in vintage Stearman biplanes, a workhorse used in the 1930’s and 1940’s to train thousands of young pilots. 

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Because of the JCVA’s assisted living outreach initiative, this once-in-a lifetime opportunity landed in Heal's lap.  JCVA treasurer, Barry “Gunner” Stinson, hosts monthly war movies at Arbor Terrace of Johns Creek, which is located off Peachtree Parkway.  

Several Arbor Terrace residents were scheduled to fly, but one backed out, prompting the activities director to call Stinson to offer the open spot to a JCVA member.  Heal was the immediate choice. 

Upon learning Heal was an experienced pilot, the Stearman’s regular pilot was happy to turn over the controls, making Jeff’s time in the air even more memorable.  

For more information, visit Ageless Aviation's website. For additional information about the Johns Creek Veterans Association, visit its website or Facebook page.

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Images via Johns Creek Veterans Association