This gutsy pensioner is still flying high at the grand old age of 90 and is now one of the world’s oldest pilots.
Paddy Elliot recently celebrated his landmark birthday - and is still taking to the air, having only taken up flying when he retired at the age of 64.
I needed something to do in my retirement and just found my calling – I’ve loved planes all my life and always will.
- Paddy Elliot
Paddy’s interest in aircraft took off when he served as an apprentice at The Austin Motor Company in Longbridge producing aeroplane components and assemblies for the war effort.
After the war, he was called up to the RAF and served as a national serviceman until returning go Austin and worked as a supervisor covering engine production.
After 50 years he retired from Rover cars and finally got the chance to live the dream, gaining a private pilot’s licence in 1988.
Paddy, who lives with his wife 85-year-old Ruby in Shirley, Birmingham, joined South Warwickshire Flying School at Wellesbourne Aerodrome in 1989 and has never looked back.
He still flies at least three times a week and works the operations desk on a full time basis, a remarkable feat for a man of 90.
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