85-year-old veteran flies Tigermoth again

Kyt · Jan 30, 2008

TV3 > News > Story > 85-year-old veteran flies Tigermoth again

There is a very happy 85-year-old who is shouting his local RSA in Wanganui tonight after a remarkable day.

Neil Manssen had written to the Airforce asking if he could perhaps one day visit the Ohakea Airbase and have a photo taken next to an old plane he used to fly.

Manssen flew his first solo in this very aircraft 64 years ago while training to be a fighter pilot just before WWII.

He still has his old log book and the picture the day he got his wings. He even took it all in to show the airforce which then gave him a surprise.

Manssen was told to get into the Tigermoth and fly it himself.

Looking a bit stunned, the sprightly 85-year-old was given a quick medical check, and before he knew it was fitted out in a flying outfit and, as he did over 60 years ago, was clambering into a Tiger Moth.

He had simply hoped to just get close to the old plane for a photo, but before he knew it was again buzzing the skies over the Manawatu.

The old aviator had a turn at the stick before being reminded of the thrills of a loop and barrel roll.

And it would be fair to say he returned to the ground a very happy old pilot.

He got the photo he was looking for, but has a lot more to talk about.

The airforce says it was repaying a favour to someone who had served it well.
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YouTube - Veteran Pilot's Suprise Flight (2008)

spidge · Jan 30, 2008

Good to see that grateful nations don't forget!

Interrogator#6 · Jan 30, 2008

I am happy to learn they had done the upkeep to retain at least one flying Tigermoth.

After all, that machine has ben around longer than most machines surive.

Kitty · Jan 30, 2008

I do love Tiggers. Lots of them still going strong. And wonderful to see one of her original pilots being given the chance for a joy ride.

Antipodean Andy · Jan 30, 2008

Got a grin on my face almost the size of Neil's! Great story!

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85-year-old veteran flies Tigermoth again

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