Female WWII pilot takes flight again

GWEN IFILL:

Finally tonight, our NewsHour Shares of the day, something that caught our eye which might be of interest to you, too.

Joy Lofthouse is a World War II veteran, a member of an all-female division of British pilots called the ATA Girls, part of the air transport auxiliary. Seventy years after her last flight, the 92-year-old went back aboard a Spitfire aircraft earlier this month. The BBC was there to capture her ascent.

QUESTION:

You don't want me to ask you how are you feeling, do you?

(LAUGHTER)

JOY LOFTHOUSE, World War II Veteran:

Well, excited, but aware of my age, so hoping that things go OK. I'm not as confident as I did when I used to fly alone, when I was young.

QUESTION:

What is so special about going in a Spitfire?

JOY LOFTHOUSE:

It was the iconic plane, the nearest thing to having wings of your own and flying that I have known. It's a beautiful day, couldn't be a better day.

MAN:

OK, Joy, when you're ready, you have control.

JOY LOFTHOUSE:

It's so incredible to be in a Spitfire again. It almost makes one feel young again.

GWEN IFILL:

That is why they call her an ATA girl.

(LAUGHTER)

JUDY WOODRUFF:

You have got to hand it to her.

GWEN IFILL:

Oh, yes.