Miao Xiaohong controls the Tecnam P2010 plane to fly. [Photo/CCTV]

Different from past flights for missions, this time her goal was to enjoy the flight. Miao said it was exciting and fresh. "Seeing the boundless blue sky unfold in front of me, it was very open."

The trainer said that Miao could finish 30 hours of flight to get a license for commercial aviation.

Miao said her physical condition is good enough to finish the 30 hours of flight but it was not so important for her to get such a license. If the country needed her to fly, she will, she said.

After fulfilling her dream of returning to the sky, she hopes to encourage young women to join in the aviation industry. "I'm 82 years old and can fly again. You, the young people, can fly and will fly better than me."