KSAT 12 San Antonio reporter, Katrina Webber: Group’s pastime involves flying high, elevating history. Alamo Liaison Squadron shares history of WWII combat planes in this September 2016 visit.
You could say 75-year-old retired Air Force officer, Gene Jensen has a passion for planes.
“I don’t remember not wanting to fly.”
Jensen owns this Piper L-4 Grasshopper used in World War II.
He spent 5 hours flying this plane from San Antonio to DeRidder because…
“This is the historical starting point for these airplanes.”
Planes like Jensen’s were used during the Louisiana Maneuvers in the 1940s.
“The airplane only weighs about 800 pounds, has no armor, no defense and carries no weapons.”
But one thing does surprise him.
“The number of people who don’t know the connection between this airfield and this airplane.”
Jensen spent 6 years restoring the plane, and for him his favorite thing about flying is…
“It’s the freedom.”
Seeing the country through a stunning view…
“It’s a beautiful way to see the country. You come along at 60 miles an hour. The weather was nice, and so we just poked a long and enjoyed the scenery and saw the country.”
And flying with his favorite companion…
“He flies with me everywhere.”
His age doesn’t stop him from doing what he loves even though some family members, particularly his sister, has some concerns.
“She keeps saying Gene, you’re 75 when are you gonna stop flying? And I say well when I can’t find anybody who will lift me in or out of the airplanes.”
Flying this plane reminds Jensen that some qualities will never be forgotten.
“And service with a purpose, even if it causes us to sacrifice that’s a wonderful human trait.”
At your service, Maranda Whittington KPLC 7 News.
It’s a little 4-cylinder air cooled engine.
Click here to watch… Life Along the Loop
