Jack Hemmings, who co-founded Mission Aviation Fellowship, took the controls again, aged 101.,,,
Mission Aviation Fellowship (MAF) co-founder Jack Hemmings marked his 101st birthday by rolling back the years to fly an aircraft again.
The former RAF squadron leader who went on to be an early pioneer of MAF, the world’s largest humanitarian airline, was given the surprise flight in a Robin DR400 which took off from Beachy Head in East Sussex.
Mr Hemmings took control mid-flight before the group, including MAF UK CEO Ruth Whitaker, landed back at Spilstead Farm Airfield near Hastings.
There was then another birthday treat as pilot Stu Blanchard landed his 1947 Miles Gemini. Mr Hemmings flew the aircraft earlier this year, for the first time in 74 years, in memory of his friend and fellow MAF co-founder, the late Stuart King.
Mr Hemmings said: “Meeting folk from MAF and to see the Gemini and my flight in the Robin DR400, which I used to co-own, was thoroughly enjoyable.”
Ruth Whitaker said: “Witnessing Jack take control was such an inspiration, and reminded me it is thanks to the skill and passion of dedicated airmen and women like Jack that MAF has grown to become the global, life-saving organisation it is.”
