Volunteers give back to veterans by flying them in a biplane.
HILLSBOROUGH -- The 1942 Stearman two-seat trainer biplane helped train pilots for WWII and now flies veterans back in time.
"They take off as 88 year-olds and come back as 18 (year-olds)," said pilot Mike Winterboer.
As a way to give back to veterans Winterboer and his wife Diane Winterboer have volunteered to fly veterans as part of the Ageless Aviation Dreams Foundation.
The charity's motto is "Giving something back to those who have given."
"It was on my bucket list," said John Boucheau, a US Army Veteran from WWII.
"It felt like I was flying the plane," added the 88 year-old Boucheau.
When Boucheau flew on small planes (six seats or less) for work he liked to sit behind the pilot to watch the landing. In the Stearman he sat in the front seat and the pilot in the back.
Boucheau and seven other veterans from the Spring Hill Assisted Livings Communities in New Jersey took the flights.
"You feel so free up there," said Art Hershkowitz, 92 who served in the army installing engines on B-24, B-26 and B-17's while stationed stateside from 1942-1946.
Hershkowitz quickly discarded his cane and climbed up and in the plane.
The completely restored airplane takes off at 75 mph and cruises about 85 mph said pilot Mike Winterboer.
"For such a small state it looks enormous," said Hershkowitz after his 15 minute flight around central Jersey.
It was a nice summer morning ride but at least with the open air biplane "It's air conditioned up there," said a smiling Hershkowitz.
The flights were free of charge and hosted by Tri State Aviation at the Central Jersey Regional Airport.
"I'm ready to go again," added Hershkowitz with a grin.
Ed Murray may be reached at emurray@njadvancemedia.com. Follow Ed on Twitter at @EdMurrayphoto. Find NJ.COM on Facebook.