One former Royal Air Forces pilot doesn’t just fly a Spitfire, one could say he is one.
Jack Hemmings, an ex-squadron leader with Britain’s air force, is believed to be the oldest pilot to fly the World War II plane — at the age of 102, the AP reported. A Spitfire is British fighter plane that became famous during the WW II.
His 20-minute flight on Monday raised money for a charity he co-founded nearly 80 years ago.
Hemmings’ charity, the Mission Aviation Fellowship, is a humanitarian air service he helped launch after WWII alongside D-Day veteran Stuart King.
The organization is now a Christian organization that uses planes to deliver relief, medicine and emergency cargo to countries in need.
The flight was noteworthy in two ways — it marked 80 years since the D-Day landings and paid tribute to King, who died in 2020.
Although he had never flown a Spitfire, Hemmings said it was “absolutely delightful” being back behind the controls and said the ride was “very bumpy.”
“To be honest, it felt a bit rusty. Not surprising I am rusty,” the East Sussex man said.
This isn’t Hemmings’ first time taking to the air for his cause.
When Hemmings turned 100, he raised 40,000 pounds, or $50,000, by performing aerobatics.
According to the AP, Barry Hughes, a pilot who accompanied Hemmings in the aircraft, said the veteran had a “natural touch.”
“He didn’t need any instruction really. He just took control, flown us around, made some turnings and basic maneuvers,” Hughes said. “I think he really enjoyed every single moment of the flight.”
