In the airspace around Santa Barbara Airport, a yellow winged biplane carrying a pilot and one passenger outfitted in leather aviator helmets whisked through the skies on Thursday.
Named The Spirit of the Pacific, the historic craft wasn’t just flying for fun; it was carrying senior veterans — some 97 years young — on Dream Flights, a nationwide program honoring vets for their service by taking them to the skies. After a four-year hiatus, Dream Flights took off once again at Santa Barbara Airport, carrying eight senior veterans from Covenant Living at Samarkand on a joyride over the city.
Founded 15 years ago, Dream Flights is operated through nonprofit Ageless Aviation Dreams Foundation. Started with one plane and pilot based in Reno, Nevada, the organization has now expanded to include 10 pilots and six Stearman planes, which tour around the country. The Spirit of the Pacific was in Chico on Wednesday, Santa Barbara on Thursday, and Bakersfield on Friday, piloted by Kurt Bohlken and assisted by his wife and crew chief, Amy Bohlken…