I learnt to fly in Mombasa aged 19 years old, on a PIPER CUB.  I went solo in 3 hours and got my license in 13.  I found it incredibly easy.   At that time it was Kenya, Uganda and Tanganyika -- I felt the world was my oyster!

It wasn't long before I had itchy feet. There was a TIGER MOTH parked close by.  I badly wanted to LOOP THE LOOP and this wasn't possible in my Piper Cub.I would put a boyfriend in the back of the plane. At a good height, and when totally upside down, I would hold this position for as long as possible, and the screaming would start! When all this was over, that was the end of THAT ONE. I still had a few others to deal with! My flying days were 99% in my Cub.

Now at breakfast this year, opening spoiling presents and later on a delicious cake,
John and Lucinda told me we were going to Classic Wings at The Imperial War  Museum, Duxford.
I would be interviewed and then I was to fly a bright yellow TIGER  MOTH waiting for me!

Being interview by Danny

Being togged up

I was all kitted up and headed to the Moth with my pilot and friends. Settled into the front seat.

At once I was 19  again and everything was very familiar. But what I didn't know was that everything I did during the flight was being RECORDED! We climbed to a 1,000 feet; it was the most beautiful day.  Then Ian, my pilot, said: "TONI TAKE OVER" and not long later "SHE  CAN  FLY". I was like a duck to water. It then got somewhat windy, making it more difficult but fun.

We climbed to a 1,000 feet; it was the most beautiful day.  Then Ian, my pilot, said: "TONI TAKE OVER" and not long later "SHE  CAN  FLY". I was like a duck to water. It then got somewhat windy, making it more difficult but fun.

WIMPOLE  HALL

ELY  CATHEDRAL

I asked Ian to take over and he took me low over WIMPOLE HALL and ELY CATHEDRAL.
We then slipped back down to land. John and Lucinda were waiting for me.
Ian gave me lovely hugs saying: "I am so proud of you."

Without a doubt it has to be the most wonderful, amazing birthday ever.
How often does another year take you back to NINETEEN? 

Best wishes to all who read this. AMELIA EAR-HART now Toni The Maldive Lady!
The lovely things Classic Wings said about me were put on FACEBOOK,
and I now have a CD-Rom of my flying! It is totally hysterical!