Still a keen pilot at 80
Local pilot Walter Martin recently celebrated his 80th birthday with members of his family.
Polishing and tinkering with his Cessna 310 at the Jack Taylor Airfield is where you will find Walter Martin during most weekends.
As one of the founding members of the Krugersdorp Flying Club, Walter still considers flying a great hobby, even at the age of 80. On Sunday, 15 May, Walter celebrated his milestone birthday with his two daughters, grandchild and his partner at his home in Helderkruin View.
As a keen fisherman and hunter, the Krugersdorp pilot took up flying because he wanted to travel.
“I started flying in 1960 when I was 24 years old. I visit Mozambique and Botswana to fish and hunt. It takes me four hours to fly to Bazaruto Island in Mozambique from Krugersdorp,” Walter said.
Walter has owned five planes in his lifetime, and learned to fly in a Tiger Moth, a WWII training airplane. Even though he travels a lot, he doesn’t use his plane for business purposes.
“I am not a commercial pilot, I have never seen the need to be one,” he said.
The retired General Motors dealer has featured in many articles. In the November 2007 edition of African Pilot, for example, Walter was described as a meticulous and cautious pilot.
“I regard flying as a pleasurable activity and if the weather is bad, I would rather not take off.”
The Cessna 310, which Walter calls his mistress, is a six-seater piston-engine plane that is kept in immaculate condition.
His secret to a long and healthy life? “Eat healthily. No smoking or drinking.”
Walter also considers his “wonderful” mother, the way she brought him up and the food she gave him to be reasons for his long life.
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• Children introduced to flying
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