A WHITCHURCH teenager has become the youngest pilot in the UK who is responsible for the whole flight after earning his latest licence.
Eddie Luft is a former Sir John Talbot’s school pupil and has set his sights on a career as a commercial helicopter pilot after being awarded his PPL (H) on his 17th birthday, making him the youngest pilot in the country.
Eddie has already completed a solo flight on his 16th birthday which meant he flew alone but the acquiring of his new licence means he can now fly others, as long as it is not paid, and is responsible for all elements of the flight.
READ MORE: Whitchurch schoolboy Eddie's solo helicopter flight
He has been learning with Austin Aviation based at Halfpenny Green airport in the West Midlands since he was 14 and is passionately following his dream of becoming a commercial helicopter pilot.
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Celebrating his achievements, he said: “I’m so delighted at gaining my PPL(H).
“It represents the culmination of a lot of hard work and dedication, especially during my GCSEs, but is the gateway to a career that I have always dreamed of.
“Nothing beats the feeling of being pilot-in-command of a helicopter and I’m so grateful to the team at AA and Halfpenny Green for helping me to achieve my dreams.
“I know that this is only the start of a long road of hard work and dedication to achieving commercial status but I’m completely thrilled at this opportunity and can’t wait to take my next steps on this journey.”
Instructor Alan Austin, who owns Austin Aviation, said he was ‘incredibly proud’ of his pupil and said he was a mature pilot.
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He said: “Eddie has demonstrated the most amazing level of maturity, dedication and passion for someone so young.
“I am so proud of his accomplishments and it has been a complete pleasure to instruct him.
“We at AA wish him every success in the future and are delighted to have him on the AA team.”
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