The Real Reason The Pope Is Retiring!

[Floatsflyer]

He wants to fly more and pray less. Just like the rest of us.

No joke . According to 2 Catholic websites, Catholic News Agency and Snoring Scholar, the Pope has a helicopter license and a PPL. And he appears to be current as he flys the papal helicopter himself from the Vatican to official functions and his summer residency. This would make him one of the oldest licensed pilots in the world. He does not drive a car, never got around to getting his drivers license.


Now that he's got time on his hands, perhaps an official AV invitation is in order?

[martymayes]

This would make him one of the oldest licensed pilots in the world.

Nah, not really.

[danielfindling]

Here is another source:

http://nymag.com/daily/intelligencer/2013/02/pope-will-fly-a-helicopter-into-the-sunset.html

[Check 6]

When I lived in Italy the pope was using an Agusta 109 for his trips down the coast past our home to the island of Ischia. The larger helicopter in the link belongs to the Italian military. I never heard that he is a pilot. He used to drive because a prior car that he owned and drove was sold at auction in Germany. This sounds like an article from The Onion.

[gbrasch]

I believe AOPA reported all of the above also.........