Former Pilot with Terminal Heart Disease Takes Off for Final Flight
Airplanes have been part of Thomas' life for decades
Edgar Thomas, a 72-year old Boise man and a former pilot diagnosed with Terminal Heart Disease, was granted with his wish of flying the iconic World War II Curtiss P-40 Warhawk aircraft last June 1, 2012, Friday in the Warhawk Air Museum, Nampa.
The former baggage handler turned out commercial pilot was eagerly explaining how important it was for him to make his fantasy flight – all thanks to the Boise-based Wish Granters nonprofit organization for letting him fulfill his dream of having a final flight of his favorite aircraft, the Curtiss P-40 Warhawk.
“You have no idea how happy it makes me to be able to do this,” Thomas said to the Boise-based Wish Granters.
Local pilot John-Curtiss Paul preparing the P-40 Warhawk for Thomas
According to Thomas, doctors have already informed him that his heart could “give out” any time in which his wife hoped that Thomas could take a ride in a World War II aircraft to fulfill his final wish. Idaho nonprofit Wish Granters Inc., grants wishes to adults 18 and older with terminal illness in Ada and Canyon counties.
“I’ve always been interested in historic aviation,” Thomas said kindly when he found out he would be making the flight. He worked for Frontier Airlines for 23 years and also builds and flies model airplanes.
When ask, Thomas’ favorite vintage airplane is the P-40 Warhawk. “I just like the way they’re built. I like the lines, that gracefulness of the way they look while they’re flight.”
Thomas all set for his final flight
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Source: http://www.idahopress.com
