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The plane was a Spitfire, Britain’s best loved WWII aircraft, and it was flying to raise money for a charity. The pilot was Jack Hemmings, a former Royal Air Forces pilot and co-founder of the charity, the Mission Aviation Fellowship, a humanitarian air service. Jack co-founded the Fellowship 80 years ago when he was 22. Yes, Jack, the pilot of the Spitfire raising funds today is 102 years old.
When Jack turned 100, he raised more than $50,000 for the charity by performing aerobatics in the plane. On his 102nd birthday, he and his co-pilot took the plane up to perform more basic maneuvers. But according to Barry Hughes, the co-pilot, Jack “took control” and enjoyed “every single moment of the flight.”
When interviewed after the flight, Jack clarified that he had never flown a Spitfire before. Undaunted by taking control of a plane he hadn’t flown before, Jack said it was “delightful” albeit a “very bumpy” ride.
The flight had tremendous meaning and purpose. Not only was it a fundraiser, but it marked 80 years since the D-Day landings. The flight was also a tribute to Stuart King, the co-founder with Jack of the Mission Aviation Fellowship. Stuart had passed in 2020.
For Jack, flying has been his passion and life’s purpose. He doesn’t appear to let his age stand in the way of continuing to fly. If you want to see the pictures of a man living at 100% well beyond 100 years, click here.
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