Sunday, July 27, Lucien Marty, from Mirepoix, set off from Pamiers aerodrome, Ariège. It was not a simple whim, but the fulfillment of a promise made in 1955, when he was 30 years old. This former soldier then swore to retry the experience if he reached the century one day.
Despite his age, Lucien lived this jump as a timeless parenthesis: « It was great, it seemed to me that I was young »he says. « It was yesterday and it is already today. Life has passed so quickly. I was like a bird, I only missed the feathers »he adds with humor to our colleagues from France Télévisions.
To embark on this adventure, Lucien had to obtain a medical certificate, as required by the law for anyone over 70 years (and under 16). The examination confirmed that he had neither heart problem nor worries.
A family feat
This exceptional moment, Lucien shared it with three generations: his son Gérard, 75, his grandson Didier and his great-granddaughter Emma, barely major. All jumped by his side. « He did that with a smile. He left decided. On the plane, he was even more relaxed than me »surprises the son, admiring.
The supervisory team, impressed by the determination of the centenary, has taken special measures. Franck Buisson, the instructor who accompanied him in the air, explains: « For climbing the plane, you have to help it. It is not easy. At landing, this is the most dangerous moment. I helped him so as not to hurt himself. »
