After 70 Years, A 92-Year-Old World War II-Era Pilot Is Able To Fly Her Plane One More Time

Nov 12, 2018 by apost team

Not many people would be willing to fly a plane above the age of 75. Joy Lofthouse did the unthinkable when she took to the skies in a World War II-era aircraft at the age of 92. Lofthouse is an Air Transport Auxiliary veteran who served the United Kingdom for several years. She was recently given the opportunity to fly the famous Spitfire airplane again.

Lofthouse was a service pilot whose job it was to take planes from the front lines to bases around the world to receive repairs. She was one of only a handful of women who flew planes for the United Kingdom during World War II. Lofthouse was part of an all-female division that was nicknamed the "Attagirls".

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During her service, Lofthouse flew 18 different kinds of planes for countless different missions. However, there was always one aircraft in particular that was near and dear to her heart. To celebrate the 70th anniversary of the war's end, Lofthouse was asked to fly once again in her beloved Spitfire plan. Lofthouse was more than excited and agreed to participate in the event.

In a video recorded on that day, Lofthouse can be seen in all of excitement and anxiety. During a short interview before the flight, Lofthouse expresses her gratitude for the opportunity to fly in such an "iconic" plane. She also describes her level of anxiety, saying that she is aware of her age and hopes nothing happens when flying.

Despite her age, Lofthouse knew she couldn't pass up the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to pay homage to her past service. Right before taking off in the Spitfire, Lofthouse described what it is like to fly in such an aircraft. "It's the closest thing to having wings of your own and flying that I've known," she told the reporter.

After the interview, the video shows Lofthouse being helped into the rear seat on the pristine Spitfire plane. Once in the air, the pilot hands over the controls to Lofthouse. While flying the plane, Lofthouse can be heard over the radio talking about how lucky she was to be given the opportunity to fly the plane once again.

After the landing, Lofthouse remarked that she didn't talk as much as she had hoped. She commented that there was a person talking on the radio for the duration of the flight. This was something Lofthouse wasn't used to as the Spitfire's used to be completely silent when she flew.

Did you find this article as inspiring as we here at APost did? Let us know in the comments! Show this article to a friend or family member to honor the brave men and women who have served our country,