Local Nonprofit Helps Veterans Take Flight Over Santa Barbara

Source: Signature Flight Support

Nine residents of local retirement community Samarkand took off in flight out of the Santa Barbara Airport (SBA) earlier this month in vintage WWII-style aircraft with help from local non-profit, the Ageless Aviation Dreams Foundation and local fixed based operator out of SBA, Signature Flight Support. 

The flyers, a group largely made up of military vets plus some aviation enthusiasts, were given the chance to fly in a Boeing Stearman, the same plane used to train military aviators in the 1940s. 

For many of these veterans, this was the first time they had been back in this type of aircraft since their own training. And for the aviation enthusiasts, this was a chance for a special experience most don’t get to enjoy. 

The Ageless Aviation Dreams Foundation is a nonprofit organization dedicated to honoring military veterans residing in senior living communities and long-term care facilities. As part of its mission, it teamed up with local FBO Signature Flight Support, who hosted the event, provided discounted fuel for the flights, free hangar space, and escort personnel for safety.  

In recognition of the Ageless Aviation Dream Foundation’s admirable mission, Signature Flight Support also donated $2,500 to the organization to help cover costs to fund additional flights. It looks forward to continuing its longstanding role as a community and aviation benefactor through programs like this that help keeping flying attainable for all.