Former RAF pilot takes to skies in Spitfire aged 102 years old
- 102-year-old Jack Hemmings is a former RAF pilot
- Mr Hemmings co-founded a charity nearly 80 years ago
- He recently took to the skies in a Spitfire, making him the oldest person in the world to do so, while raising money for the charity
Published on Feb 16, 2024 at 7:48 PM (UTC+4)
by Adam Gray
Last updated on Feb 20, 2024 at 1:14 PM (UTC+4)
Edited by
Amelia Jean Hershman-Jones
This has got to be one of the most heartwarming videos we’ve seen in a long time.
A former RAF pilot has taken to the skies in a Spitfire at the ripe old age of 102.
Jack Hemmings, a former RAF squadron leader, described the experience of being back behind the controls as “absolutely delightful”.
Mr Hemmings is believed to be the oldest pilot to fly the iconic Second World War aircraft.
Not only that, but he did it to raise money for a charity he co-founded nearly 80 years ago.
Touching down after the 20-minute flight from an airfield in southern England, the grandfather-of-three described the experience as “very bumpy”.
Sounds much like the futuristic Flying-V, which has already completed its maiden test flight but is said to have a less than smooth landing.
“To be honest [it was] slightly heavier that I expected but we were flying about 210 knots faster than I normally used to fly at in my air force days,” Mr Hemmings added.
Great fun, and for a great cause – well done, Sir.
Adam Gray
Adam Gray is an experienced motoring journalist and content creator based in the United Kingdom. Using his media accreditation with manufacturers’ press offices, Adam test drives the latest cars and attends new vehicle press launches, producing written reviews and news pieces for supercarblondie.com. Before joining the Supercar Blondie team, Adam was Motoring Editor for Portfolio North magazine, North East Motoring Editor at Reach plc, and provided motoring content on a freelance basis to several lifestyle and business publications in the North of England. When he’s not behind the wheel of the latest car, Adam can be found at his local rink playing ice hockey or supporting his beloved Middlesbrough FC.
