They say that flying a Spitfire is like riding a bike.

Okay, they don’t say that, but 92 year-old Joy Lofthouse does. More than 70 years ago, Lofthouse served as a female WWII pilot in Great Britain’s Air Transport Auxiliary. Very few women flew airplanes during the war, and Lofthouse was a member of a special all-female unit nicknamed the Attagirls.

Though she never flew in combat, Lofthouse did ferry damaged planes between the front lines and factories to expedite repairs. This often meant braving dangerous weather conditions and performing evasive maneuvers, usually with another plane in tow. The Attagirls also flew in complete silence because their aircraft didn’t have any radios.

According to Lofthouse, her male colleagues recognized the Attagirls for being gutsy and dedicated to the war effort, even if they didn’t fly in combat.

When the war broke out all our boyfriends would talk about was flying. So when we saw the advert we both decided to apply. Once we were there was no sex discrimination. In fact, I don’t think those words had been invented back then. It really was the best job to have during the war because it was exciting, and we could help the war effort. In many ways we were trailblazers for female pilots in the RAF.

During her service, Lofthouse flew 18 different aircraft. But the iconic Spitfire was always her favorite.

“The Spitfire is such a wonderful plane. It’s the nearest thing to having wings of your own and flying,” Lofthouse said.

After 70 years, this female WWII pilot got a chance to take to the skies last May. In the above video, Lofthouse is both giddy and nervous about the prospect of once again flying her favorite aircraft. A co-pilot had to handle the lift off, but once they were in the air Lofthouse took over the controls and cruised through the sky.

“It’s incredible to be in a Spitfire again after so long,” Lofthouse said as she flew. “I am so lucky to be given this chance to fly it again. It’s hard to describe the feeling.”