Fallbrook aviator takes to the skies again

Barbara Thurber obtained her pilot’s license in 1968, and within two years she became Fallbrook’s first homegrown certified flight instructor. Her flying career ended after she was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in April 1972, but she never lost her love of flying.

On Jan. 9, Fallbrook Air Service (FAS) gave Thurber a surprise - the opportunity to go up for another flight. FAS owner Tom Aberle was the pilot in the Cessna Cardinal C177 while FAS manager Jerry Aberle organized the event.

“She enjoyed it and her family got to see her go for a ride,” Jerry Aberle said.

Tom Aberle is Jerry Aberl...