Flying High at Owen's Field

On a bright Saturday morning, several Cola Wealth clients and prospective clients had the opportunity to see Columbia from 2,500 feet as they rode in a vintage airplane.

The 1941 Boeing PT-17 Stearman is owned by Cola Wealth, a firm that advises clients in Columbia, Lexington, Aiken, and Greenwood, South Carolina, and Johnson City, Tennessee.

During the flights, which lasted about 20 minutes each, riders enjoyed views of Columbia landmarks, including the University of South Carolina football stadium and downtown Columbia. Some lucky participants even got the chance to "take the stick" and steer the aircraft for a brief moment.

"It felt like riding in a 1960s Cadillac with the top down," described one enthusiastic participant.

Another observer expressed joy, saying, "I'm so glad my dad finally got a flight in a Stearman. Grandad flew one, and it's been a dream of Dad's to experience it too."

Cola Wealth Advisors has owned the Stearman plane for 30 years and has generously provided more than 6,000 rides in it. It's their way of giving back to the community and offering people a unique experience they might not have the chance to do otherwise.