Flyer, 95, publishes memoirs
Retired air force colonel renewed license last year
08 December, 17:46(ANSA) - Trento, December 8 - Italy's oldest pilot presented his WWII memoirs in this northern Italian city Tuesday a year after renewing his license to keep him flying until he's 104.
Former Air Force Colonel Francesco Volpi, 95, said his book, 'Ho dovuto fare la guerra' (I Had To Be In The War) was a based on his recollections of wartime life and didn't have "any bloody episodes or anything to do with the fighting I was involved in".
He said he was happy to become a published author but didn't expect "anything out of the ordinary" to come of it - just as he regarded last year's successful application for a new ten-year license as "just a formality".
When he got permission to extend his flying career, Volpi said: "It was just one more bit of red tape to get over".
Volpi, who has a distinguished air force record including missions over the Mediterranean and in Russia, was encouraged to write the book by the head of Trento's Caproni Airport, Paolo Toniolli.
Toniolli paid tribute to the "spirit" of the airport's oldest client, describing how Volpi was also active in organising and running flying courses.
photo: Volpi with his wife
