At age of 96 Avon Reach care home resident John Hunt gets wish to pilot a plane thanks to Bliss Aviation

A 96-year-old has finally achieved his lifelong dream of flying a plane thanks to a Christchurch care home.

John Hunt did his national service in the Royal Air Force as an 18-year-old in 1946 but he never actually got the chance of piloting one himself.

But, posted in Wiltshire on ground crew duties, his role involved servicing the aircraft so that others could take to the air.

After he was demobbed in 1948 he did get the opportunity to fly in a Lancaster bomber but that remained the extent of his experiences.

Now living at Colten Care’s Avon Reach home in Mudeford, John told staff of his long-held wish to fly, and they rallied round to ensure he got it.

They contacted pilot trainers Bliss Aviation who are based at Bournemouth Airport, and instructors agreed to help John.

Taken to their HQ by companionship team leader Denise Marks, instructor John Bliss and pilot Gary Ashworth first showed John the flying system of a dual-controlled light aircraft.

Then, to the pensioner’s delight, he took John up into the skies with him aboard a Piper Warrior. Up in the air John was given guidance on how to use the joystick, gauges, dials, levers and other instruments.

During a 30-minute flight, the plane flew over Avon Reach where a delighted John could see staff and residents waving to him from the grounds.

At the end of the flight Gary presented John with a certificate of achievement.

A beaming John said: “I had the most beautiful day, seeing my biggest wish come true. It was such enormous fun, and it exceeded my expectations.

“I held onto the controls and didn’t want to put too much pressure on them. It really felt like I was in control of the plane.

“It was amazing to go flying. I will never forget this wonderful experience.”