A PILOT has become the youngest from his club to complete a solo glider flight.

Carl Gore, 14, of Eynesbury, took to the skies after just five months of lessons at Cambridge Gliding Centre.

The Ernulf Academy pupil was watched by his proud mum and dad, Diane and Chris, as he made two short solo flights.

As part of the centre’s cadet scheme, Carl has been flying in dual-control gliders under the instruction of the centre’s experts. His achievement was made possible after a change in the law earlier this year, meaning pilots no longer have to wait until they turn 16 to fly solo.

Carl said: “Having started flying at the centre when I turned 14 in February, going solo now is beyond my wildest dreams. This feels like one step closer to my dream of becoming a professional pilot.”

Julian Bane, a Cambridge Gliding Centre instructor, said: “Carl’s flying is well above the standard required for a solo flight. He’s really worked hard at this over the past few months, and it’s a delight to see him now enjoying the freedom and responsibility of flying a glider on his own.”

For more information, visit www.glide.co.uk.