Sir David Jason reveals he has stopped flying due to health issues, sharing his heartfelt reflections on his time as a helicopter pilot.
London: Sir David Jason, the beloved star of Only Fools and Horses, has opened up about his decision to stop flying. He’s had some health issues that made it tough for him to keep up with his passion for piloting.
He got his pilot’s license back in 2005 and loved flying his Robinson R44 helicopter. But last year, he had to sell it because he was struggling with mobility. It’s a real bummer for him, as he shared that it was a big part of his life.
In his new memoir, This Time Next Year, he talks about how important it is to be in good shape for flying. He mentioned that flying a helicopter is a lot like playing the drums; you need to be coordinated and physically fit. If you’re not, it can take away the joy of flying.
He said, “I realized I was getting increasingly uncomfortable up there in the air.” It’s sad to hear him say that, but he knows it was time to step back while he still could.
Sir David reminisced about how much fun flying was for him. He compared it to other hobbies people have, saying, “Some people have the piano, and some people have oil painting. I had the helicopter.” It’s clear he’s proud of being a qualified helicopter pilot, even if he can’t do it anymore.
He’s also been open about his health journey, mentioning a hip replacement and some memory struggles. But he stays positive, saying he’s doing pretty well overall. It’s tough to see a legend like him face these challenges, but he’s handling it with grace.