The former pilot of the British Royal Air Force flew the historic “Spitfire” aircraft from the Second World War for the first time at the age of 102.
Jack Hemmings, during the Second World War the squadron leader of the British forces is, as far as is known, the oldest pilot who flew that model of aircraft.
Pilot Barry Hughes, who was with Hemmings during the flight, said Hemmings had a natural gift: “He didn’t need any instructions – he just took control, drove us around, did some turns and basic maneuvers. I think he really enjoyed every moment of the flight.”
The war veteran, who had never flown a Spitfire before but had flown other planes, said it was “absolutely magical” to be behind the wheel, although the flight was “bumpy” – with lots of “crashes”.
“Honestly, it all felt a bit ‘rusty’ which is not surprising – I was ‘rusty’,” he said.
His 20-minute flight from the airport in southern England on Tuesday was to raise money for a charity he co-founded 80 years ago. The humanitarian aviation service “Mission Aviation Fellowship” has been bringing aid, medicine and more to countries in need by plane since World War II.
Hemmings performed aerobatics on his 100th birthday and raised more than £40,000 for his charity.
Photo ©️ AP
