I always just thought airplanes were part of life. Planes weren’t much different than the family car. I got my pilot’s license in 1983 when I was 19. Since then I’ve gotten commercial, multiengine, flight instructor, and seaplane ratings. My favorite plane to fly is the one I happen to be in. Nothing replaces the magic of a Dream Flight in a Stearman, but just from a pure flight standpoint, I love flying my J3 Cub. It’s just pure flying. 

Q: How did you get involved with Dream Flights? 

A: My dad and I found a Stearman our family used to own on the opposite side of the country and flew out to buy it and bring it home. On the way back, we stopped by a senior care facility and offered a flight to a WWII veteran friend of ours. The experience was so rich that it almost felt like magic. We knew that couldn’t be the one and only “Dream Flight” and the foundation was born. 

Q: What keeps you continuing to volunteer?

A: It’s the magic and the connection between me, the airplane, and the Dream Flyer. It’s very seldom in life that you have the opportunity to see a change in people’s attitude and zest for life right before your eyes. The Dream Flight Experience gives you that. You can see somebody transform right before your eyes, and there’s nothing purer than that. 

Q: What’s the best part of being a pilot (or crew person) for Dream Flights? 

A: The connection and the joy it brings to the Dream Flyer, the family and all who see it. To be able to take an airplane that’s 80 years old and to be able to use it to fly such amazing senior heroes is pretty spectacular. 

Q: Is flying in a Stearman really windy?

A:  It’s windy, it’s cold, it’s hot, it’s slow, it’s expensive, it’s uncomfortable and it’s wonderful. 

Q: Do veterans ever ask you to fly aerobatics? 

A: All the time. And the bottom line is that it’s hard on their cardiovascular system and we’re not in the stroke and heart attack business. 

Q: Any advice for the first-time Dream Flyer? 

A: Relax and take it all in.