Watch a 100-Year-Young Former WWII P-38 Pilot Fly His Own Cessna 210

Walt Barbo, at 100 years old, remains as sharp as ever. He still drives, still flies, and still owns the same Cessna 210 he purchased in the 1970s. Decades ago, he flew P-38 Lightning fighter planes in the Pacific during World War II. His flying days are far from over, and when given the chance, he was eager to get back in the cockpit. One of his requests was to land on a dirt strip, something he had not done in many years. He took control for most of the flight, proving that even at his age, piloting remains second nature to him.

Sitting with Walt, listening to his experiences, is like opening a history book filled with personal stories. His service in the war, his career in aviation, and his continued passion for flying make him a remarkable figure. It was clear from the moment he took the controls that flying was more than just a skill to him—it was a part of who he was.

From the P-38 to Today

Walt joined the Army Air Corps on December 9, 1941, just two days after the attack on Pearl Harbor. By 1942, he was flying the P-38 Lightning, one of the most advanced fighter planes of the war. Known as the “fork-tailed devil,” the aircraft had twin engines and was highly effective in the Pacific theater. He served with the 475th Fighter Group and the 433rd Fighter Squadron, flying missions over Papua New Guinea against Japanese forces. His time in combat included harrowing experiences, such as returning to base on just one engine after sustaining damage.

The P-38 was not the only plane he mastered. Walt also flew the Bell P-63 Kingcobra, a unique fighter with its engine positioned behind the pilot. On one occasion, mechanical failure forced him to bail out. His flying career was filled with moments of both triumph and danger, shaping his deep understanding of aviation.

Aviation Beyond the War

After leaving the military in 1946, Walt pursued higher education. In the 1950s, he attended the University of Washington, earning degrees in civil and industrial engineering. His master’s thesis focused on a plan for Boeing Field, impressing airport officials so much that they hired him. He later earned another master’s degree in air transportation from the University of California, Berkeley, leading to a long career in airport engineering.

By 1963, he was working for the newly formed Federal Aviation Administration. His expertise helped shape modern airports, and even as he worked in the industry, he never lost his passion for flying. His Cessna 210 has remained his personal aircraft for decades, a symbol of his lifelong dedication to aviation.

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