Man celebrates 98th birthday by flying

An Iowa man celebrated his 98th birthday doing what he loves to do, piloting an airplane.

Ernie Smith is believed to be the oldest active pilot in the United States.  He got his license more than 70 years ago.

He rents a plane at the Red Oak airport a few times a week.

"People will ask me, 'What it is about flying that you like?'," Smith says.  "I say, 'Well, I don't know how to tell you, but you come out some morning before daylight and go out and watch that sun come up over the horizon and you'll have your answer'."

Smith isn't letting his age slow him down.  He says he plans to continue flying even when he hits 100 years old.