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SALLY ON COURSE TO BECOME BRITAIN ’S YOUNGEST QUALIFIED PILOT

A cadet from 1947 (Birstall) Squadron is set to become the youngest pilot in Britain after successfully completing her Private Pilot Licence.

Corporal Sally Cluley, who previously had just two hours solo flying experience, completed her training for the licence in just four weeks. The teenager, who is now desperate to test out her new skills, must now wait until she turns 17 on 28 th September to officially become Britain’s youngest pilot.

Sally decided to study for her PPL after receiving money from her late Grandmother. She said: “Ever since I got my first flying experience as an Air Cadet I have wanted to learn to fly solo. I decided to use the money that my Grandmother left me to help fulfil my dream.”

Although she is just 16 years old, it took Sally the minimum of 45 flying hours to complete her training. Her final two hour flight and written test were conducted under the watchful eyes of experienced Flight Examiner Tim Darby at the recently opened POM Flying School, Humberside Airport. He said: “Sally was extremely confident in her ability. She handled the plane very well and produced an extremely competent test during her final two hour flight.”

Dave Gibson, Chief Flying Instructor of POM Flying Group, felt that Sally was one of the best young pilots that he had ever seen. “Sally is among the very best that I have taught, and I have been teaching for a long time. Because she is so young she takes it all in her stride. Some people struggle with co-ordination, but not Sally. You can show her something and she absorbs it very quickly.”

Sally’s love for flying was first developed during her early years with the Air Cadet Organisation. During her time as a cadet she has embraced the opportunities available, which have seen her become a Flight Staff Cadet at 643 Volunteer Gliding School, RAF Syerston.

Having completed her Private Pilot Licence, Sally is planning to get plenty of solo flying time under her belt – starting from her seventeenth birthday. “Ultimately my goal is to become a commercial pilot, but I haven’t yet ruled out going to University to study as an engineer. It would also be good to join a flying club closer to home, that way I can log the 100 flying hours required before I can attempt the next level of qualification.”

Date Last Updated : Friday, August 29, 2008 4:23 PM

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