AGE is no barrier to flying fanatic Paddy Elliot.
The 91 year-old pilot regularly takes to the skies over south Warwickshire, and has no plans to keep his feet on the ground any time soon.
Paddy, from Solihull, discovered his love of flying during the Second World War when he served in the Royal Air Force.
After the war ended he continued to fuel his passion by making airplane parts, before retiring 25 years ago.
But a life of leisure did not sit well with Paddy, and a few months after finishing his job he accepted a position on the operations desk at South Warwickshire Flying Club, based at Wellesbourne Airfield.
He then gained his private pilot license – something he had wanted to do since the end of the war.
And he has not let age slow him down.
Paddy still works five days a week at the airfield, and regularly flies across England and Europe in a plane owned by the club.
Paddy – who this year celebrates his diamond wedding anniversary with wife Ruby – said: “Flying is my favourite thing to do and I like to go out in the plane as often as I can. France is the best place to fly to because I love the seafood there.
“Unfortunately my wife is unable to get out of the house so we can’t go out in the plane together but I usually go by myself or with a friend.
“While I can still pass the medical exam I have no plans to stop flying. It’s my passion and I’ll carry on for as long as I am able to.”
