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Grandson Pilots 88-Year-Old Grandmother’s First Ever Flight

Alex Shupe fulfilled his grandmother Frances Dahlke's lifelong wish by piloting her first-ever flight in first class after years of training, creating a cherished family memory.

  • Last Sunday, Frances Dahlke, 88-year-old grandmother, took her first flight with her grandson as the pilot.
  • The family planned the trip carefully, with Alex using airline employee benefits to put Frances on the standby list at La Crosse.
  • After clearing security at La Crosse Regional Airport, the family advised Frances to take Dramamine, which she had never used before, and then spent roughly an hour and a half together on the flight.
  • Landing in Chicago prompted reflections that both grandmother and grandson said the trip was a memory they would hold onto forever, with Frances Dahlke saying `I felt like a spoiled celebrity`.
  • After years of training, Alex finally flew his grandmother, Frances, last Sunday, and she described watching the clouds as part of the experience.
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Grandson pilots 88-year-old grandmother’s first ever flight

Both grandmother and grandson say it’s a memory they’ll hold onto forever.

Frances Dahlke crossed the skies on his first flight with a special person in charge: his grandson.

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People broke the news in United States on Wednesday, February 11, 2026.
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