Stratford-based Sikorsky Aircraft helped make a dream come true for a young fan who has always dreamed about being a pilot.

Sikorsky recently teamed up with the Make-A-Wish Foundation to welcome 6-year-old William Beyer, of Collegeville, Pennsylvania, along with his parents, to the Stratford headquarters. William and his family got to take part in a “Pilot for a Day” experience, complete with a perfectly fitted and personalized flight suit, a flight jacket with all the proper badges, and of course, shiny new aviator sunglasses. The visit was then literally taken to the next level by taking to the sky in a Sikorsky S-76 helicopter with his parents, Wes and Michelle, and younger brother Jake.

According to Make-A-Wish, William was born with a rare heart defect called Hypoplastic Right Heart Syndrome. At 10 months of age, he underwent a heart transplant and continues to work with doctors to prevent organ rejection.

In addition to the helicopter flight, William and his family toured the Stratford plant, raced in the S-97 RAIDER simulator, and enjoyed lunch with Sikorsky pilots as they shared their stories.

“Thank you for making his wish come true,” wrote Wes Beyer on Sikorsky’s Facebook page. “His mom and I were especially moved by all the workers who showed him support and gave him the great welcome as we toured the factory. William is truly blessed.”

 
“The Sikorsky team’s involvement to make William’s wish a reality is an inspiration to all of us,” said Kim Smith, director of corporate & community giving with Make-A-Wish Connecticut.  “They honored William and his family in a way that words can’t describe.  William’s wish day at Sikorsky was a wonderful day filled with incredible moments that gave William and his family unforgettable memories.”