Most people are dreaming about retirement or already enjoying it at 73-years-old. But not Larry Milner, California Baptist University’s oldest student. Every day, he commutes from San Diego to Riverside, eager to attend his aviation courses and chase a lifelong dream.
Milner’s journey at CBU is not typical. After decades in the military as a naval officer, he decided it was not too late to pursue his passion for flying. Milner was honorably discharged in 2012 and then spent time caring for his mother. In 2018, he began flight training and earned his private pilot’s license. This later led him to CBU to obtain an instrument rating, commercial rating, CFI rating and multi-engine rating in pursuit of his goal of teaching others to fly.
Flying has always been something Milner wanted to do. Throughout his life, he had several opportunities to pursue it. One of those opportunities came after he was an extra in the movie “Top Gun: Maverick.” One day, he ended up sitting next to a man named Dylan, and they began talking about flying. Dylan gave him his card and encouraged him to call.
“One night, 2 in the morning, and I’m thinking about this, I said, ‘You know what, I ought to do this,'” Milner said.
This moment led him to obtain his private pilot’s license, which brought him to CBU. His goal is to eventually teach children how to fly. Milner said he loves being a student at CBU. He met many new people and enjoys being part of the aviation community. His commute could range from one hour and 30 minutes to well over two hours, but he loves it and rarely misses a day unless he has a doctor’s appointment.
Milner quickly become a familiar face and an inspiring presence at the Riverside Airport Campus. Walking around the building with him felt like being in the presence of a local celebrity. Students and faculty stopped him often, with many referring to him as a hero. His peers and professors admire his dedication.
Cameron Singh, assistant professor of aviation science, first met Milner in one of his classes last spring and quickly formed a connection with him. Singh noticed Milner’s dedication and genuine passion for aviation, along with the personality he brings to class. It was not just his experience and age that stood out, but Milner’s purpose for pursuing aviation at this stage in his life.
“It takes a different mindset or different type of person to, at this age, have the commitment to be doing what he’s doing,” Singh said. “What stood out was his why, which is to help other young kids who don’t have access [to flight school]. He wants to be a flight instructor for those students and kids.”
You never know what God has in store for you and Milner’s story is the perfect example of that. He believes God placed him at CBU to prepare him for a mission beyond himself.
“My ultimate goal is to teach,” Milner said. “Fifteen, sixteen, seventeen years old. I want to teach them to fly, and I don’t want to charge them anything.”
Through aviation, he hopes to reach younger people who might otherwise never get the chance to experience it, using his skills to serve, inspire and glorify God.
“..hopefully that may, you know, change their lives…broaden their opportunities. And that’s what I wanna do and that’s why I’m here,” Milner said.
For Milner, learning never ends; it’s a part of God’s ongoing plan. Even at 73, he continues to embrace the opportunities to grow and follow God’s plan for him. His path serves as an example that God’s calling does not have an expiration date.
“You can accomplish your dreams,” Milner said. “You just have to put your mind to it, stick to the plan, and thank the Lord for everything you accomplish.”
For him, each class, flight and moment of patience is another step in the journey God created for him. Milner’s story is a reminder that when you trust God’s plan, it’s never too late to learn more and fulfill the purpose He has written for you. Milner even wears a shirt that says ‘All things are possible with God,’ a message that perfectly reflects the faith guiding his path.
As Milner continues his studies, he is not just learning more about aviation. He is proving that the sky has no limits and that God’s path is deep and rewarding, even for a 73-year-old retired naval officer.
After spending 35 years in the military and visiting many different places without missing any of them, Milner admits CBU is different.
“But I think I will miss this place,” Milner said.
