99 Year Old Woman Learns to Fly!

Proving that you’re never too old, a 99-year-old Tennessee woman learns to fly. 

Decades ago, Lydia Gross had opportunities to fly a plane. She always declined. A decision she’s also always regretted. 

In June, Gross, at age 99, got her chance again. 

Gross, a resident of Poplar Estates Assisted-Living Facility in Columbia, was able to fly a plane with the Wingman Flight Academy. Her flight lesson was part of a fundraising campaign organized by the Poplar Estates staff.

Gross’ aviation opportunity began with the creation of a GoFundMe online campaign by Poplar Estates Media Director Kevin Sage. He created a music video and campaign to help fulfill resident bucket lists. 

Sage said the idea occurred to him during the COVID-19 pandemic and discussions of what the residents always wanted to do but never had the chance,.

Sage wrote a song and produced a pop music video starring the “cast” of Poplar Estates to rally support. He then reached out to Toby Rice, owner of Wingman Flight Academy and also the chief instructor. Sage wanted to pay for Gross’ instructional flight with the fundraising proceeds. 

Rice allowed Gross to take the yoke of the Cessna 172 for nearly 30 minutes of an hour-long, round-trip flight from Dickson Tennessee to Downtown Nashville.

Following the flight, Gross said she would hop back in the cockpit again because “You are never too old to do anything.”