Eli's Dream Come True! 8 Year Old Flies Vintage Airplane for the 1st Time! 

I'm an USAF veteran during Viet Nam and was a crew chief on B-52F & H & C-5A and C-141A. Does me proud to see your son interested in becoming a pilot. I wish him the best of luck in completing his dream to become one of America's finest.

My grandson has wanted to be an astronaut since he was about 3. We gave him all the cool astronaut toys, planets, helmet, and outfit, even a cardboard space shuttle for gifts over the years. He is now 10 and will tell his mom with no doubt in his voice, "mom, Don't be said. You won't be able to visit me on the moon, in my space research facility, but I'll come home every now and then to visit you." He is dead serious. Some how I think he will. Fortunately, they only live a few miles from the space center in Cape Canivoral, Florida so he regularly sees the rockets go up. A boy and his dreams! Never give up on your dreams!

I had a similar experience when I was about 12 years old. I was at a small local grass air strip when a small plane landed. The pilot asked if I wanted to fly, of course I said yes and off we went. No parents around. eventually became an Army helicopter pilot and spent three combat tours in Vietnam. I survived and went on to become an instructor pilot, instrument flight examiner and a obtained my commercial fixed wing license. Great experience for your whole family.

Way to go Chad for being such an amazing guy to help Eli have an amazing adventure! That was pure happiness on Eli's face! Way to go Mom for stepping out of your comfort zone to let Eli do this. You guys have once again shown that you are an amazing family. I mean seriously! This is so cool!! And Jeremy it is okay to be a hover parent, but always give them the chance to shine and spread those little wings!

Thank you Chad for making Eli's dream come true.

This has me smiling from ear to ear. Love watching kids that want to fly AND get to fly. Not many get the chance. As a pilot I LOVE being part of moments just like this. Oh, and the Navion is a great, fun, plane to experience. That was the first plane my daughter got to do some aerobatics in. 20 years later, she STILL talk about it. Kudos to Chad for making the time to keep aviation alive and fueling the next generation of pilots. Go Eli!!!

Chad is an amazing human being and the joy and excitement on Eli’s face tells it all!

To know that Chad probably made a huge impact on Eli being a pilot one day, is such an amazing feeling for him for sure. Not a lot of people get to do that kind of stuff for others. Glad he enjoyed his first “real” pilot experience and the whole family as well. Recipe looks amazing Melissa, will have to try!

Eli will never forget this day. He had a smile on his face that said it all. Flying the plane with a green mom in the back was kind of funny. Jeremy was definitely having the time of his life and the other kids were just as excited. You find some of the most amazing things to do with your family. They all are going to remember how awesome and amazing their childhood was. You both are some pretty amazing and great parents. Love you all. What a day. 🛩❤👍

This one made me cry. I was so happy for Eli. He was in it for sure! The look on his face checking the plane and then the look on his face as he’s actually flying the plane was priceless! He was soaking up every single second. You could see how much he really loved manning the cockpit and how he was soaking up every word Chad said. He was definitely learning all he could. Making your children’s dreams come true is so important. Especially when the dream might be the one that shapes his future. It’s wonderful seeing him take it so seriously and him being so passionate about planes and flying. Who knows maybe one day he’ll be a Top Gun instructor! Just keep feeding his dream and watch him grow and learn and succeed! My husband and I did the same with all four of our now grown children. Our oldest lives in California and is a personal assistant to big name celebrities. Her latest was being assistant to Jason Mamoa who I guess is very down to earth and a great guy. She had previously been doing the conventions for shows like The Walking Dead and Supernatural. (One thing about trying to make it is you start by volunteering and if you’re lucky at the end of the convention if you did your job well the celebrity will tip you and if you did really well, then the celebrity may request you to continue on with the conventions in other places. (She was requested and got to go to Paris 🤷🏻‍♀️) Now she gets paid and she’s completed her dream. I know it’s a strange dream, not one I would have chosen for her, but it’s not my dream. As long as she’s safe and happy, then I am happy for her. Our second oldest has a full time regular job that allows him to use all his vacation and personal time to follow his dream and so for 6/7 weeks every spring to summer he chases tornadoes all over Tornado Alley. This dream we supported when it started as a toddler. Our third child, our daughter, she has kept her dreams more “normal” I guess. She wanted to finish college, get a descent job and buy a car, house etc. THEN find a guy, get married, but be able to stand on her own. She finished college, got the job, bought the car and is now thinking about where she wants to buy a house.🤷🏻‍♀️ She has the boyfriend so we’ll see. So far so good at her dreams coming true. Our last child, our son. I’ve said since he was little he was going to be my millionaire. He can save money like no one I’ve ever met. He’s in his last year of college and the field he’s passionate about definitely will always be needed. He is in engineering and is making artificial limbs and hopes he one day helps in figuring out how to use a persons own nervous system to make the limbs move and function like they never lost a limb. There’s a huge study already going on, and hopefully he finds a way to be a small part of that. He wants state of the art limbs to be free for all combat veterans too! So like your four amazing kids, our four are vastly different from one another but their individual dreams are so important nonetheless. I have zero doubt of all your kids dreams absolutely coming true! Eli was just the beginning of the seeds you planted with him flying a plane. I can’t wait to see what amazing things all your kids do! I’d live to see videos on their dreams too! I bet they’re exciting and amazing too! They’ve got exceptional parents to support and guide them! Hard work, dedication and a lot of love, helps with the “Skies the Limit!” motto. We all know that’s what every dream coming true is made of! Good job Mom and Dad! Eli is definitely reaching for those skies! Just another wonderful video of a exceptional family. Thank you for sharing! God Bless You All! 🙏🙏🙏♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️ P.S. I can’t wait to hear what Eli’s call sign will be! 😉💙

How awesome was that! The entire family was able to share in the experience! Chad is such a blessing and thank him for his service! Thanks for taking us along for the ride, GSL!

I am watching this and tears are running down my cheeks. What a fantastic gift to give your children and, of course, ELI in particular. Great parenting in action!

What a great experience!! None of your children will ever forget this day and neither will we !!! Thanks for taking us along !!!

Eli's confidence will take him along way in life. He's Blessed with AWESOME parents! 💕

Always love y’all’s videos, but this one. This one was spectacular. The things y’all do to individually encourage the dreams of each of your children is amazing. Taking the time to make each feel encouraged, accepted, supported in their dreams and keeping it focused on them is special. Really shows the world how to cherish the children God has gifted you with.

- Our grandson is a flight engineer on a C5 plane in the Air Force! he has seen so many wonderful places all over the world. His wife, our wonderful grand daughter in love is a loadmaster and has done so many wonderful thing! we are so proud of them. Follow your dreams Eli!

What a GREAT life affirming day for all of you. So glad the other kids got to go up. A VERY SPECIAL thank you to Chad. How wonderful to fulfill a child’s dream and touch Eli’s future. The pictures are spectacular.🛫

Chad, you deserve an award for your kindness. What a lovely guy you are!!

What a nice guy Chad is. EVERYONE got to experience the same joy that Eli did. What a great family day. Making memories ❤

As a mom Im crying with happiness and proud of that boy!!!

What an amazing opportunity for Eli. He will remember this day for a lifetime.

My Big brother is a test pilot that flies new planes when they come off the assembly line not little ones but all the big ones 747, 777, and so on. Eli you go little guy.

Oh Bless!! Eli's face said it all. He looked quite focused while in charge of the flight. Who would think he is just 8 yrs old. Great Job Mum being out of your comfort zone. Also great job Dad for loosening the reins to fill a dream. So happy that you all had a turn. Must have been quite exhilarating. Wonderful Chad, how your heart must be full knowing the impact you had on the whole family. It was wonderful to go on the ride with you all from Adelaide Sth Australia. xoxo

I am so excited for Eli and the family! As a daughter of the Air Force I can't be happier!!! Bless them all and ThankYou to Capt Chad for your gracious time given!

I love how you make your kids’ dreams come true without fear of something bad happening like my wife does.

This camera work is truly incredible. It’s like there is a filming crew of 20. Great job, Eli. And what a man you are, Chad, making dreams come true. 😊

What an awesome experience for a young boy Eli's age. I also loved airplanes way back to WW2. When my father was discharged from the Army he started me flying Model planes every Sunday at the local ball park with a few friends. I was 10 Y.O. When I was legal age 21 Y.O. 1956 I went to the local privately owned airstrip, King Aviation, and told them I wanted to fly. Was licensed Private Pilot in 1958 I went on to build a "poor boys aircraft" in 1978 so I could keep on flying. Flying is a rich man's hobby. The aircraft is in my profile picture. I'm flying over the everglades in Florida. I never made it to be a fighter pilot for domestic reasons. What ever it takes, is my message. Eli the first solo flight is so unbelievable, so awesome. I'm sure you will agree someday. Flying airplanes is the #1 most gratifying experience you can achieve in my book. GOOD LUCK! I had commented a day ago. It disappeared for some reason. I'm trying again!

What an amazing opportunity you had provided your kids. Helping them to realize their dreams is what parenting is all about. As a retired meteorologist, those were some awesome views from above as well.

What a thrill for Eli, and all the family. That day will be remembered for a long time. Love from Mike. ❤

As a mom of 3 now young adults, I felt that deep mama anxiety just watching Melissa say bye to her family on the ground but knowing she had to take one for TeamEli. Then to be back safe on the ground just to let 2 more kids go up...😳. This is what we do as mom's and dad's. Put on a brave face so our kids can fully realize their dreams. Or at least try our best to make it happen for them. ❤️

What an amazing gift for Eli’s 8th birthday ! An adventure they will remember all their lives. Beautiful memories!!

Oh my gosh Melissa , Eli will have some ever lasting memories. His smile brought a smile and tears to my face , thank you Chad for a gift a lifetime

Y'all are the most amazing parents and couple. Not that my opinion matters, but I am in awe of what you do for your family. May God bless you richly each and every day

From building inspector to airplane inspector to pilot. Eli is the most accomplished child I have ever heard of.

Way to go Eli! Thanks, Chad for making a dream come true. Thanks Mom and Dad for setting this up and letting him do it! What an amazing family day!

Eli is such a 'natural' . . . no fear . . no anxiety . . . looks like he's been doin it for years.

FANTABULOS continued birthday surprise for Eli and everyone else. What a great video and the Mama held together and held it down through her flight with her baby boy !! WOO HOO for the Mama!!! Thanks for taking us along on this journey with you all. Such a wonderful sight to see all those smiles and KUDOS to the Pilot for sharing with us the thrill given to everyone, especially to the three student pilots. Stay safe around there and keep up the thrills and great videos. Fred.

The things parents do for their children. Good Job Eli.

He is going to remember that day for the rest of his entire life......

INCREDIBLE! What an amazing opportunity for Eli and your family! Salute to Chad!

You could tell, Eli was on cloud 9! What a great experience for him and the rest of the kids. They'll remember this for many, many years to come.

That was an amazing day for Eli and the rest of the family and it was great that your friend Chad could do this. What a day Eli (and the rest) will never forget it and I just love his pilot jacket. Eli reminded me of my youngest son. What a lovely video, thank you for taking us along.

How wonderful! Encouraging your kids to follow their dreams is one of the most important things we can do. Also, Jeremy don't apologize for hovering.... sometimes. We only get one chance at this life and when it comes to parenting, regrets don't seem like a small inconvenience.

My wife has an uncle in Sagle ID just south of Sandpoint. He has his own plane, built by himself. What a wonderful gift for Eli.

Wow! This brought back a big memory (one I will never forget) of my first flight back in 1960 (I was 11) in my uncle's 1949 Ryan Navion!! It put the "aviation bug" into my blood and I later went on to get my Commercial Pilot license (instrument and Multi-engine ratings) and had a career as an Air Traffic Controller. It's great to see a family promote their children's dreams and give them the opportunity to make their own career decisions, whatever and whenever that might be. Good luck to all of you!!

What an exciting and utterly amazing experience for Eli that will impact his life forever. He will never forget this!

Great opportunity for the kids. Chad was so nice to do this for Eli.

I broke into tears when you presented Eli with this wonderful surprise!! What a wonderful gift for this young man! He definitely will NEVER forget this! And the whole family got to experience this too!!! Awesome!!! You are wonderful parents!! ❤

Way to go Eli, what a lucky child, great parents

I should not have watched this video while applying makeup. The sweetness of it and the smile on Eli's face brings tears to my eyes. Melissa, your look of apprehension gave me a chuckle before the tears. Congratulations Eli!!!

Absolutely the best day ever for Eli. And for me whenever I could I would fly in small propeller planes. It meant you flew closer to the ground and you saw our beautiful country.

My 2 boys when they were Eli's age wanted to be pilots and join the military. Well...fast forward to my now 23 and 25 year old. One joined the Marines and became a AARF ( Air and Rescue Firefighter!) He is now out of the Military but going to school full time to be a commercial pilot.! My other son is in school to be a small plane pilot!! He is also employed at Cub Crafters Aircraft in Yakima,WA. Dreams and goals do come true! I wouldn't be surprised if he grows up to be exactly what he says. They grow up too fast! I couldn't be more proud and Blessed of those 2.

Thank you to Mom and Dad for reaching out to Chad Hawthorne and making such a fantastic day for a little boy! I had tears streaming down my face for the whole video. It brought back so many memories of how I was convinced from age 3 to become an airline pilot. It was only at 17 that I started to consider alternative career options for very pragmatic reasons. And it was only somewhere between 40 and 45 that I gave the dream to become a pilot a RIP. Now that I am over 50, health reasons make it impossible to achieve even a PPL. So videos like this one, allow me to live my dream vicariously.

Sometimes it's not what you know but who you know!! Eli always puts a smile on my face!! HAPPY DANCE!

Making the effort to find opportunities for your children as opposed to teaching them to limit their possibilities is what makes you stellar parents far above the average.

This is a forever memory day that he will share with his own family and feel like a kid again! Hats off to Mellisa for going way out of her comfort zone. Neveah, you are the bomb. I think all of you have added to your memory banks and will pull this day out often, basking in the feelings of flying free.

Brought tears to my eyes. When a child has a dream who are we to say it can’t be done. So to see you nurture his dream it is fantastic. Children are our future.

Good job Eli! You’re gonna be an amazing pilot one day. Good job mom and dad for making this happen for your baby. These are the memories that he will remember when he’s a grown man himself, and while he’s flying a plane as an adult, this memory will definitely make him smile. ✈️

What a family! You are showing your children how life can be if you work hard and persevere. You are showing them, by your example, that they can realize their dreams. I cannot envision any of your children living in the suburbs. You have whetted their appetite for freedom and self-reliance. The demeanor of all your children tells me that they know they are loved and important to you. Oh, Jeremy. I saw a bumper sticker I know you will get, "Guns don't kill people. Fathers with daughters do"!😀

That's a really cool experience! Thanks to Mom, Dad and Chad to fulfill a child's dream!

What an awesome experience for everyone! Chad rocked it outta the ballpark in doing this for you all - so incredibly generous! Loved this video! 💜💜💜

Oh mom and dad….As a United State Air Force retired Veteran, you have given Eli the ultimate ride that will guide his wings to becoming a TOP GUN pilot one day. Congrats to Eli on your first but not last flight.

I will never forget when my dad got me flying lessons for my birthday. It was my DREAM! You have given Eli a gift he will never forget. I hope it forges his desire to fly. GO ELI✈️

I am shedding happy tears right now!! I love that you go out of your way to help your kids realize their DREAMS!!!

This is the seed that may make a little guy become a new Chuck Yeager, or Armstrong. You can see in his eyes nothing but serious joy and how much he loves doing this! Thank you Chad , Mom and Dad!

So happy and excited for Eli!! What amazing parents you are. Thanks and God bless and keep you Mr. Hawthorne. A child's dream comes true and I'm blubbering like a baby

Eli, just might grow up and be a pilot one Day. Too sweet....

Chad, thank you for making a great adventure for Eli also for the rest of the family. You are a great gentleman.

What an amazing experience for Eli and your entire family! It was a day they will never forget and if it solidifies Eli’s desire to become an aviator, all the better! Great job Melissa and Jeremy 👍

What a wonderful experience for Eli! So awesome that you could make that happen for him. The other kids definitely won't forget it either. Best mom for sticking it out. Jeremy had as big a smile as Eli.

I’ve worked in the aircraft industry for 38 years now! If a person has the right aptitude it is a perfect time to get into it! Jobs for years to come!!!

How awesome 😃I love how you have given/are giving your kids a happy solid foundation for their future. It must make you so happy and proud.

Oh Eli - I had a smile from ear to ear watching this post. So happy for you.

I’m the absolute worst when it comes to being motion sick, even if I’m driving. Melissa, making it back without an incident (anytime) is a full on success!

What an amazing day. Years ago I traded gifts for my children for memories. Now that they are older they tell me all the time that they are so happy they got to go to so many places, see so many different thing, and have so many adventures. It is worth it. Trust me.

I think it is wonderful you are able to offer these amazing experiences to your children! 💖💖💖

This brought tears to my eyes. I personally know the joy he is feeling at the moment he took over maneuvering the plane. What a wonderful surprise for him! My parents did this for me at sixteen and I was in awe every single time I went up. When the time came that I was in complete control, take off, in air flight and landing I knew this would be a life long love of mine. Cherish every moment and never let a dream go to waste. How awesome!

What an amazing day, not just for Eli but the whole family ❤️. Thank you for sharing your awesome adventure! What a great friend Chad is 😀

Jeremy, I too was a hovering parent who often needed to leave my comfort zone in allowing my kids to participate in various activities. In fact, I think this reluctance in letting go is very prevalent amongst those of us who were/are police officers, as we often see the horrific, unintended results of a seemingly safe activity. But with my now adult children, who have children of their own, I often have to remind them of why this is important to do so. And to their credit, they still often thank me and my wife for allowing them to have 'normal' childhoods, where they were allowed to participate in various camps, trips with other families and other activities. The one thing I wouldn't allow, though - and I'll bet you'll agree with me here - is allowing them to do a ride-along with anyone besides me. My agency had a pretty liberal ride-along policy, but even if we didn't I would never have agreed to them riding along on street patrol with another officer, including my best friend. So good job, Dad!

What a blast for your whole family! Good on you, Chad, for treating a young boy to a dream.

Brought tears to my eyes. Such a wonderful and amazing experience for everyone, including all of us who watched! Thank you all for sharing a truly special day...

Eli will remember this forever! Glad you were able to make this happen for him! Great job!

I have already learned something new. I've seen countless movies and in real life pre-flight checks, it never occurred to me that they were checking for cracks or problems when they ran their hands over the wings. I just thought it was an emotional 'patting' of something they loved. I'm not a flying fan, but this warmed my heart. *U* Kathleen

I love that their second flight ever was a small plane and they got to fly it. 💕

You guys are so awesome to give your kids these experiences!!!

What an amazing opportunity for Eli and all the others. They will remember this day for a lifetime and who knows maybe there will be more than one pilot in the future. Love what you do to enhance your children's life experiences. Love you all!

WOW. Eli is exactly where I was in 1968. The true love of aviation is an unstoppable force of nature in a person’s life. Fifty five years later my career as a military, airline and corporate pro pilot is winding down and it’s a bit melancholy. However, watching Eli and KNOWING what he was feeling just makes my heart sing. Eli is now, in my mind, taking my place. WOW

I wish I had a friend like Chad. He is the best to let you all come and fly whit him. To see Eli fly, the big smile from ear to ear... Chad made a little boys dream come true.

So happy for you, Eli!! I worked as a flight attendant for 20 years. I just loved it and I miss it! If I were on duty, you would be my best Captain!! Go for it, you got it!!! Congratulations to your First trainer who made your dream come true, and of course, your parents who listened to you!!

What an awesome experience for Eli!! He will never forget it. Mom and dad were very brave to allow this.

Such a great friend to let Eli go up in his plane and fly it on his own, one experience he will never forget, go Eli follow your dreams xx

I am so jazzed to see Eli & the whole family get to experience the fun in flying. I wanted too be a pilot. Started ground school but then life put a hold on my plans. It was a dream I never finished. I hope these kids don't miss the opportunity too go for their dreams! Thank you Chad for this really cool day! How fun & exciting! I still love Airplanes & flying!

Look how happy Eli is. Good idea mom & dad. ❤️ He'll never forget this. I will always remember my first time in a small aircraft. My heart feels so good. Thank you. He's loving this & taking it very seriously. So grateful I don't get sick.

That grin on Jeremy's face, his whole flight. Lol! I couldn't tell if it was sheer terror or sheer delight!

Never know what the day brings. Best day ever flying in a vintage air plane. Pure happiness on Eli's face on his adventure into the skies.

Omg his face was priceless, he will make a great piolet on day. Go Chad for giving him that opportunity

Hi from South Africa. WOW........ this seems like an amazing outing for the entire family. What an experience. Not many families get to experience this and share in the fun. Kuddo's to Chad for taking the time out to fullfill a joung man's dream. Well done to the parents as well for setting it up. Eli will definitely remember this for the rest of his life.... ...when he flies solo one day he will be thinking about this day. Great video. Take care.

That was so awesome for Eli and everyone. Thanks Chad. Eli smile was huge.

This was so awesome!! My oldest son spent 21 years in the Air Force and he swears he got the bug from my flying lessons while pregnant with him. (I started flying months before getting pregnant; I didn’t hop in a plane knowing I was pregnant.) My OB-GYN finally grounded me when I hit 6 months. I never got back to finishing the lessons, but my journalism career gave me many opportunities to fly in vintage prop planes and jets. The love of flying is so real! But you’re right, when your children’s career wishes scare the parent in you, they are truly reaching high. Hugs to all of you and an extra high five to Eli.

Little buddy doing well! Some talent there! He looks cool and collected. I think he will be an ace one day!