On Dec. 17 at Wings of Hope’s global headquarters, Larry Farr, from Knoxville, Tenn., became the lucky winner of a vintage, mint-condition Piper Tripacer. This is no ordinary airplane. Built in 1953, the single-engine Piper’s previous owner was Grammy-winning country music legend Roy Clark, who purchased it new nearly 60 years ago.
“Roy donated this plane to Wings of Hope because he loves children, and had heard the Nobel Peace Prize nominated charity works throughout the Midwest transforming the lives of kids with profound birth defects. Roy learned to fly with this plane; it has a special place in his heart – but helping kids get to the medical treatments they would otherwise do without – that means much more to him,” says Douglas Clements, Wings of Hope President.
Larry also receives a Lightspeed Zulu headset, as well as flying school lessons towards a Private Pilot License. His name was chosen in a random, computerized drawing.
Wings of Hope is a global humanitarian nonprofit organization headquartered in St. Louis. It operates more than 150 bases in 45 countries, providing every manner of assistance so the poor reach a level of sustainability. More than 1 million people are served annually. Founded in 1962, it is the largest and oldest volunteer aviation charity in the world and the largest volunteer charity in the Midwest. In 2011, Wings of Hope was nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize.
Wings of Hope created its Medical Relief and Air Transport (MAT) program in 2003 with the goal of providing air ambulatory service to critically ill children across the country. To date, the MAT has provided service to 3,000 children, conducting nearly 700 patient flights every year.
For more information: Wings-Of-Hope.org
People who read this article also read articles on airparks, airshow, airshows, avgas, aviation fuel, aviation news, aircraft owner, avionics, buy a plane, FAA, fly-in, flying, general aviation, learn to fly, pilots, Light-Sport Aircraft, LSA, and Sport Pilot.
