Summary Derek Piggott was just three years old when his mother took him on his first flight, an open-top 1913 Avro 504, at a local fair in 1925. Despite the dangers, and the cold, Derek loved the feeling of flying through the air and his passion for flying was born. During his teenage years he competed in many model aeroplane competitions. Here, he built up his knowledge and expertise of the mechanics of aeroplanes. When he left school, Derek had hoped to join the RAF but poor grades at school meant he could not. However, the war came along and "saved" him and he joined the RAF. Derek suffered his second blow to his flying career, when he failed a medical examination for the Empire Test Pilot School. Here he received news that he would not be able to fulfill his lifelong dream of becoming a test pilot, due to high tone deafness. Derek's love and determination of flying shone through once again and he went on to have an extremely successful flying career, breaking records, performing Hollywood film stunts and becoming an internationally renowned glider. Derek, now 93, has dementia. Derek is very aware that he no longer remembers what day it is, and that his dementia limits him daily. However, although he can no longer fly solo, he is allowed to fly, if assisted. When he's up in the air, Derek ignores most co-pilots and flies as if solo!

• Documentary