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Flying With Dad: Pete's Memories

Pete's story as told to AOPA.

Pete 5
Photo courtesy of Michael Domalaog (Taken after the Guinness World record as the Oldest Active Pilot (Current) at 95 years, 4 months and 23 days)

My dad is a retired USAF pilot who had been on hiatus from flying since his retirement in 1970. I have many flying memories. One involves our trip to Florida and back while we were both serving in the USAF. My dad was the aircraft commander. I was a 30 hour student pilot. I was allowed to sit in the left seat for the entire flight, making one landing. The aircraft was a T-29, call sign Ram 20. It was the only time my dad and I flew together in a military bird while we were both on active duty. Pete

In 1993, I arranged to fly my plane from California to Colorado for an engine overhaul.  The pending flight spurred my dad's return to aviation.  He purchased an airplane and we flew in formation to Loveland, CO to drop off my plane for the overhaul.   We flew home in his plane, returned 4 weeks later, picked up my plane and flew home to California in formation.  Since that time, my Dad has continued to fly actively.  After moving near us, he sold his plane and we shared mine for several years.  He now lives further away again and files 3-4 times a month in a rental aircraft.  In April of 2015 he set the Guinness World record as the Oldest Active Pilot (Current) at 95 years, 4 months and 23 days. 

Thanks for the memories Dad!

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