Retirement is only a state of mind. Miao Xiaohong recently proved that, after the 82-year-old former pilot (and certified badass) flew a small plane for 40 minutes around the nation’s capital. The sky frolic reportedly set a record in China’s aviation industry, according to China Daily.
Miao had one hell of a career in the world of aviation, being one of the earliest female pilots in the PRC after winning a coveted position and graduating from flight school in 1958. Just five years after graduating, she found herself airdropping emergency materials to flooded areas in Hebei province during a crisis. With clouds hanging a mere 100 meters above the ground, Miao navigated through the dire conditions and the mission was deemed a success.
Image via Weibo
After she retired in 1989, she put pen to paper, publishing two books, A Daughter of the Sky and China’s First Batch of Female Pilots, which chronicled the flight of female aviators (literally).
Miao had to train before her flight last Tuesday by walking at least 3,000 steps a day over the last two months, among other physical requirements. According to China Daily, it was all worth it for Miao who was quoted saying, “Seeing the boundless blue sky unfold in front of me, it was very open.”
Image via Weibo
At 82 years old, Miao is as good an example as any that if you’re determined to do something, you can do it. After she fulfilled her dream of gliding through the air on her own accord one last time, she called on young, aspiring pilots to join the fun. “I’m 82 years old and can fly again. You, the young people, can fly and will fly better than me.”
READ MORE: You’ll Soon Be Able to Hail a Helicopter in Shenzhen
[Cover image via Weibo]
0 User Comments