The star of Only Fools and Horses, Sir David Jason has shared that he has stopped flying due to health concerns.
In 2005 Sir David gained his pilot licence and would often take to the skies in his Robinson R44 plane.
However, in a heartbreaking admission, the actor confirmed that he sold his helicopter last year due to mobility issues that created pain in his limbs.
Sir David Jason shares ‘it’s over now’ in heartbreaking admission
Writing in his newest memoir, This Time Next Year, the Only Fools and Horses star writes: “The fact is, you need your hips, legs and knees to be in pretty tip-top condition for helicopter flying. Also your arms and shoulders.
“It’s rather like playing a drum kit in that regard, although the consequences of getting out of time during the second verse are quite a bit graver.
“I realised I was getting increasingly uncomfortable up there in the air. Having to push the physical part of the task was taking some of the joy out of it.
“Clearly it was time to step away while I was still capable of stepping.”
According to the Express, Sir David adds that flying his helicopter was ‘a lot of fun’ adding: “Flying that helicopter was a big part of my life.
“It was a lot of fun, obviously, but also just the most satisfying accomplishment.
“Some people have the piano, and some people have oil painting.
“I had the helicopter and it’s over now, but I’ll always be proud that I can call myself a qualified helicopter pilot.”
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Sir David had also previously shared how he had a hip replacement last year and that he often struggles with his memory.
Telling the Sunday Times: “My memory isn’t what it used to be … Most of us reach this point when things aren’t quite as bright as they used to be.
“Mind you, I don’t wear a hearing aid, I don’t wear glasses, and I’ve only had to replace one bit of my body (a hip replacement), so I’m not doing too bad.”