No age cap to fly

On Sunday, Aug. 11 and Monday Aug. 12 seniors from Burien, Mercer Island and Issaquah with interest or experience in flying were able to take an old-school flight in a 1942 Boeing Stearman biplane at Renton Municipal Airport.

The Ageless Aviation Dreams Foundation travels around the county honoring veterans and other seniors in care facilities. Clint, a third generation stearman pilot with 20 years of experience, was the pilot for the Renton airport flights.

The flight path took participants over Lake Washington, with views of Mercer Island, downtown Seattle and Seahawks training at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.

Ageless Aviation staff describe the flight like an amusement park ride— low to the ground to get a view and fun for the participant. The ride is about 15 minutes, about 1,000 feet up in the air.

“It’s just all smiles when they get off the plane, that’s the best part for me,” Andrea, a Sports Clips manager who lives in Renton, said.

Sports Clips is a sponsor of the Ageless Aviation, and three people affiliated with the chain volunteered Monday to help participants with getting in and out of the open cockpit.

Several folks at the event commented on how accommodating the program was, helping participants that struggle with mobility get on the plane with ease. Often participants enjoy it so much they don’t want to get out of the plane, volunteers said. Participants leave with a hat signed by the pilot.

No age cap to fly
No age cap to fly
No age cap to fly
No age cap to fly
No age cap to fly
No age cap to fly
No age cap to fly
No age cap to fly
No age cap to fly
No age cap to fly
No age cap to fly
No age cap to fly
No age cap to fly
No age cap to fly