Iowan Known As World's Oldest Pilot Celebrates 100th Birthday

RED OAK, IA — Ernie Smith had a lot to celebrate this month. In the days leading up to Christmas, dozens gathered around him at the Red Oak Airport in recognition of his 100th birthday.

They honored not only his longevity, but his designation as the world's oldest pilot, according to the Guinness Book of World Records.

Smith earned the title at the age of 98 years and 114 days on April 13, 2016, with the support of his family, the Guinness entry says. KMTV in Omaha reported that it was only after a heart attack over the summer — and later a stroke — that he was grounded, at least temporarily, from flying.

In better health now, the plan was to get in the air for his annual flight on his 100th birthday, Dec. 22, but poor weather conditions hampered those plans, and he could only taxi the runway in a Cessna 150.

"The temptation is to give her some gas and pull up,” Smith said as he sat behind the wheel.

"You shouldn't turn a guy loose like that," he said later of the temptation.

Brenda Nelson of Atlantic, who accompanied him, promised to get him some flight time yet this winter.

Maybe Guinness will return to document the event.

>>Check out the full story and video reported by Omaha's KMTV 3 News Now

Image via flo51vogt/Pixabay