PORT TOWNSEND — When Jerry Thuotte retired to Port Ludlow five years ago, he and his wife Peggy resolved to leave their old life — and the collection of antique airplanes they restored — behind.

But when Thuotte saw children hanging around storefronts and parking lots in Chimacum and Port Hadlock, he knew he had to do something.

So the 62-year-old retired commercial pilot revived his hobby restoring aircraft.

He spends eight hours a day, six days a week, teaching children to restore vintage airplanes.

“It takes them off the street, teaches them a skill, and gives them the chance to give something back to the community,” Thuotte said last week. “And we’re saving airplanes.”

In the Port Townsend Aero Museum in Building G of Jefferson County International Airport, Thuotte supervises 15 children and 20 adult volunteers restoring aircraft.

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