PREVIEW

Jack Hemmings, a 102-year-old former RAF Squadron Leader, has become the oldest man to fly a Spitfire plane. On Monday 5 February, Jack seized on a break in the blustery weather and took off from London Biggin Hill in one of the Heritage Hangar’s iconic Spitfire aircraft. It was a special charity flight courtesy of Fly A Spitfire to honour Jack, his WWII RAF service and the Mission Aviation Fellowship (MAF) humanitarian charity he founded in 1948. The flight also took place to mark the 80th anniversary year of the D-day landings and honour MAF co-founder and D-day veteran Stuart King, who sadly passed away in 2020. After pulling the canopy shut, the Spitfire was cleared for take-off, and Jack was waved off. During the 20 minute flight, Jack could be seen waving and smiling as he performed three victory rolls. Safely coming back into land, the pilot, dubbed ‘Crasher Jack’ in his youth, had accomplished another extraordinary later life achievement. Pulling back the canopy outside Biggin Hill’s Heritage Hangar, Jack told members of the press that the experience was “delightful”. “I was surprised by how heavy the controls were,” he added, “But that’s probably because I’m just a bit rusty. “It was rather bumpy up there, but the overall experience really was absolutely delightful.” Jack concluded: “It’s not incredible being 102. You just get up every day and go about your business. It’s the present moment which counts – and this one was very special indeed.”