As proof that it's never too late to try something new, we offer the story of Cliff Garl. At 91-years-young, Garl took his first solo flight around the pattern at Arlington (WA) Muncipal Airport in a Cessna 172 last month... and he plans to go for more.

"I'm just doing my thing," he told the Associated Press.

The nonagenarian admitted he was a little nervous before taking off -- probably about as much so as his doctor was, when he heard what his patient planned to do.

Garl told the AP he's had an interest in flying for some time, going back to his days as an employee with Standard Oil. During trips to Alaska, Garl said, pilots would sometimes let him try the controls.

Assisting Garl on his quest is his CFI... a young whippersnapper named Joe Bennett.

"You go into a nursing home and you'll see people a lot younger than [Garl] just sitting there," said Bennett, 75.

While the minimum age requirement for student pilots is 14, there is no maximum age... and, in order to solo, Garl met the requirements in obtaining his third-class medical... after receiving the FAA's blessing, after months of tests.

With his first solo under his belt -- and in his logbook -- Garl says he plans to log more hours in a bid to earn a recreational certificate -- or, even, his PPL. We wish him well... and hope we're still flying at his age.

FMI: www.faa.gov