Ex-RAF serviceman John, 96, flies high after Avon Reach makes wish come true

A 96-year-old man was on top of the world after Avon Reach enabled him to achieve a heartfelt wish he had harboured since his teens.

When John Hunt was called up to serve in the Royal Air Force as an 18-year-old in 1946, he was hoping to fly at some point.

But, posted in Wiltshire on ground crew duties, the opportunity never came his way and he focused on servicing aircraft so that others could take to the air.

It wasn’t until he was demobbed in 1948 that he had the chance to fly in a Lancaster bomber.

That experience, in the mid upper turret, made him want to fly an aircraft even more, yet a return to the skies remained a dream he never fulfilled – until now.

When carers and companions at John’s care home, Avon Reach in Mudeford, heard of his long-held wish to fly, they contacted training provider Bliss Aviation, based at Bournemouth Airport.

Instructors there agreed to meet John, show him the flying system of a dual-controlled light aircraft, and supervise a short flight with him in the cockpit.

Accompanied by Denise Marks, Companionship Team Leader, John first met with Bliss instructor and pilot Gary Ashworth who ran through the pre-flight checks and explained the use of the controls.

As he approached the blue and white Piper Warrior, John said: “I’m looking forward to it very much, just being in the airplane, free.”

On board, with Gary piloting next to him and offering expert guidance and Denise seated behind, John donned a set of headphones and made himself familiar with the joystick, gauges, dials, levers and other essential instruments.

After a short taxi down the runway, the Piper was airborne for a 30-minute flight that took in Bournemouth, Sandbanks and Mudeford Quay.

As a special surprise for John, Gary received official permission from air traffic controllers to alter the flight path so they could fly directly over Avon Reach, prompting much waving from staff and residents who had gathered below. The Piper was 1,500 feet above the home at the time and flying at 110 miles an hour.

At the end of the flight and safely back on the ground, Gary presented John with a certificate of achievement as a keepsake of the occasion.

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.”

Denise said: “It was a pleasure and privilege to help John realise his wish to fly a plane.

“Gary was so helpful and when he found out John lived at Avon Reach he got special permission to change the flight course so that we could fly over the home and Mudeford Quay.

“We spotted Avon Reach from the air, and people in the home all saw John flying above them.”

Gary said: “John is a lovely guy and really enjoyed the occasion. He had a go at the controls and was definitely in control of flying the plane at times.