Dartmoor glider becomes club's youngest member to go solo

A young glider pilot based at Dartmoor Gliding Society has achieved a remarkable milestone. 

Jamie Young, the society’s youngest member, became the youngest pilot to go solo on Saturday, November 16, in one of the society’s gliders. 

Jamie, from Eworthy in Devon, celebrated his 14th birthday just this June, marking a terrific accomplishment for someone of his age.

Aspiring to become a professional pilot, Jamie is well on his way to fulfilling that dream. Chief Flying Instructor, Rick Wiles, praised Jamie's skills, saying: “Jamie has demonstrated all the skills necessary to fly a glider on his own. I had no hesitation in sending him solo, as he has shown he has the skill and maturity to safely handle the aircraft. He has done exceptionally well for someone so young.”

Jamie’s mother, Alison, was present to witness her son’s solo flight and expressed her pride, saying: “I am so pleased and really proud of him.”

Jamie’s passion for gliding began at the age of 11 when he was given a voucher for a trial flight at Dartmoor Gliding Society. 

He returned at 13, when he was big enough to reach the controls, and has since shown incredible dedication to the sport.

Dartmoor Gliding Society, a not-for-profit club located three miles north of Tavistock, is registered with the British Gliding Association as a centre for training both junior and adult pilots. 

Steve Fletcher, Club Secretary, said: “We are so pleased that Jamie has gone solo. He is a great asset to the club and a great pilot. Junior pilots are the future of the sport, and we are lucky to have seven very keen and capable 14-year-olds in our club.”

Anyone interested in learning more about gliding can visit the society's website at www.dartmoorgliding.co.uk.