The Birdman

Nicolae “Mami” Mihaita is a living legend among the Romanian aviators. At the age of 78, he is the oldest Romanian pilot who is still flying. Everybody wonders where all his endurance comes from. The flip side of the coin is that Doctor Virgil Baloescu, the head of the Aeronautical Medical Center, knows about his weakened vision abilities and may not let him fly anymore. His deepest descent in life had been Luci’ glider accident. His son crashed during a gliding training camp and ended up in a wheelchair for 26 years now. Day by day, the view of Luci immobilized and the certitude that he will never inherit his art or skill is probably the reason why Mami continues flying with such an obstination, as if on top of his passion there is a mandate from Luci to fly for him too. Now, at the age of 78, he intends to win for the 10th time the title of National Champion of the Distance Gliding competition. Whether he wins or not, it will be a new record for aviation and one more armistice in his battle with time.