A FORMER pilot was flying high when he celebrated his 100th birthday.
Alfred Elliott – Paddy – celebrated his centenary on Monday (March 17) – St Patrick’s Day – with a flight.
South Warwickshire School of Flying said: “He will be once again be piloting an aeroplane from Wellesbourne Mountford Aerodrome in the company of a fellow member of staff in order to commence his birthday weekend.
“The pilot fraternity send their warmest wishes to Paddy for a memorable day.”
Paddy was born in Shirley and following his schooling, he joined the Austin Motor Company as an apprentice tool maker, producing aircraft components for the war effort.
At the end of the Second World War he was called-up as a national serviceman and served in the Royal Air Force in Egypt, following which he returned to Austin.
After 50 years he retired from Rover Cars in 1988 and began his flying training at Wellesbourne Mountford Aerodrome, where he gained his Private Pilot’s Licence in 1989 and went on to obtain a night and instrument rating.
After getting his licence Paddy joined the staff of South Warwickshire Flying School manning the Operations Desk and as a director of the organisation until he retired shortly after 2020.
Paddy continued to be a licensed pilot flying maintenance flights and carried out regular private flights to Belgium, France and the Channel Islands until he was 97 years old when after a bout of Covid he decided to cease driving and flying.
Paddy was honoured by the Royal Aero Club of Great Britain when he was 91 for his continued activity as an aviator and was awarded the Cowburn and Kay Old and Bold Trophy, which was presented to him at a ceremony at the Royal Air Force Club by Prince Andrew.
