Red Oak Municipal Airport (KRDK) honored the Guinness Book of World Records certified World’s Oldest Active Pilot Ernie Smith, with a ceremony at the airport on Dec. 21 - Smith’s 99th birthday. Smith, having flown out of Red Oak Airport for over 80 years, was presented a model aircraft from the airport and a pre-loaded WingPoints Rewards Card from Phillips 66 Aviation to help fuel his future flying adventures.
“We gather today to honor and congratulate Ernie Smith for his achievement of being recognized by the Guinness World Records as the oldest active pilot in the world. We also want to thank him for his loyalty to the Red Oak Airport and his friendship and inspiration to all pilots around the entire world,” said Kevin McGrew, manager of Red Oak Municipal Airport.
Born just 14 years after the Wright Brothers’ first successful powered flight, Smith’s passion for aviation took flight at the age of seven. He earned his private pilot’s license in 1946 and has since piloted over 30 aircraft models. Among Smith’s achievements as a private pilot is crossing the Rocky Mountains, flying to Canada five times and visiting several U.S. states.
In response to being asked how it feels to be named the world’s oldest active pilot, Smith simply smiles and says, “I would rather be the world’s youngest pilot.”
