Kamloops flight school is where young and old pursue their dreams
Getting behind the controls of a plane again has been a lifelong dream for Bill Jules — a dream he's waited more than 40 years to fulfill.
Jules says he spent six months flying a DC-3 as a young man.
"Here I am now, trying to catch up on those years, it feels good."
The 67-year-old is now taking flying lessons in Kamloops at the aviation school TylAir, he's the oldest student there. Daybreak Kamloops' Samantha Garvey joined him in the sky recently, as part of the Access Granted Series.
"To look down on the world and see what's down there and see the things that you normally can't see from the ground, it's awesome," Jules said.
"So much freedom up there, no wonder the birds like it."
15-year-old pilot in training
Emma Rivette is the youngest student at TylAir. The 15-year-old from Merritt started lessons in March and will likely get her recreational pilot's license before her driver's license.
"My grandpa started flying about three years ago and he got me really interested in it," she said, remarking that she feels more comfortable in a plane than riding in a car.
"I'm relaxed up there because it feels safer to me," she said.
The effect of flight is evident in both of these students' lives.
"I have no family, no kids, I'm alone so it's just an awesome experience for me," said Jules. "I don't have to worry about schedules except for flying."
"I've been grounded too long, I'm gonna break free and travel now."
To hear the story, click the link: Access Granted - Students seeking the open sky
