The breathtaking aviation feat, which took place in front of cheering onlookers and family members, occurred just three months after the previous world record was claimed by another remarkable elderly woman, 97-year-old Betty Bromage. For Helga, who spent the vast majority of her life caring for others in her profession as a nurse, the adventure was a chance to prove that she is still the same adventurous spirit she has always been, and that a milestone birthday is no reason to stop experiencing life to the fullest.
The high-flying journey to the record books began in an unexpected place: her assisted-living facility. Staff members at the residence, aware of Helga’s resilient and spirited personality, gently urged her to consider the stunt after her niece, Jackie Rose, saw news reports earlier this year about Betty Bromage claiming the oldest wing-walker title. Jackie realized immediately that her aunt possessed the same fearless attitude and health required to attempt the feat, and that the record was well within reach.
When the idea was first presented to Helga, however, she admits she had very little context for what she was getting herself into. “I had no idea what it was,” Helga recalled, speaking of the daring aerial stunt that involves standing or being strapped to the upper wing of a moving aircraft.
As a 99-year-old who had long been declaring that she wanted to find “the last time” she could “do something different,” Helga was immediately captivated once she saw what wing-walking actually entailed. Despite initial and entirely understandable concerns regarding her physical health—particularly dealing with arthritis and a bothersome right knee that made getting on and off the aircraft a delicate task—her determination refused to waver. Donning specialized flight clothing to protect against the rushing winds at high altitudes, she prepared herself for an experience unlike anything she had ever encountered before.
Once the aircraft took off and climbed to an altitude of one thousand meters, Helga found herself surrounded by an entirely new sensory landscape. Strapped tightly and securely to the top of the biplane by professional stunt pilots and support crew, she discovered that any initial anxieties quickly melted away into pure exhilaration.
“It was a very different sensation than I’ve ever had,” Helga said, reflecting on the five-minute flight. “Once we did the round and we were up a thousand meters, I took three deep breaths; the air up there is so pure you wouldn’t believe it. I thought to yourself, ‘come on now!’ I felt so good, I thought, ‘is this like if you take drugs?’ I’m sure it is.”
Despite the roaring engine and the wind whipping past her at high speeds, Helga remained firmly strapped in and reported feeling “very safe” throughout the duration of the flight. Upon touching down safely at Rendcomb Airfield, she was greeted by an enthusiastic crowd, cheering family members, and an official adjudicator from Guinness World Records. Will Munford, representing the record-keeping organization, presented her with an official certificate recognizing her extraordinary achievement right as she stepped away from the aircraft.
For Jackie Rose, watching her aunt complete the flight was an emotional and inspiring culmination of months of planning and encouragement. “It was a wonderful atmosphere,” Jackie said. “Everybody was clapping. I had so much admiration for her because I knew how painful it was on her knee. It was so nice just to see, age is irrelevant. It’s just lovely to see somebody doing something they enjoy.”
Jackie later noted to the BBC that her primary goal in supporting the stunt was to demonstrate that “even though she’s 99, she’s still that lady she was years and years ago.”
The official Guinness World Records certificate now holds a place of honor at Helga’s senior care facility, serving as a daily, tangible reminder to staff, visitors, and fellow residents that age should never be allowed to dictate one’s boundaries. But for Helga, the stunt was about much more than just a certificate or a line in a record book. Alongside her personal adventure, she utilized the massive public attention surrounding her flight to raise more than £1,600—equivalent to roughly $2,000—for her regional Air Ambulance charity, giving back to an essential emergency service while breaking world records.
When asked to summarize the philosophy that carried her from her days as a nurse all the way to the top of a flying biplane, Helga offered a simple, powerful piece of advice that she hopes will inspire people of all ages.
“Try anything,” Helga said. “Don’t ever say, ‘I can’t do it’. You can’t ‘see’ until you’ve tried… It’s my motto.”
As for the previous record-holder, Betty Bromage, the friendly competition between soaring nonagenarians remains alive and well. Upon hearing the news of Helga’s successful flight and new record, Betty offered her warm congratulations on the accomplishment, while playfully joking that she is already excited to turn 100 years old and attempt to take the record right back.
