Ross Pratt has become the latest junior to fly solo at Devon and Somerset Gliding Club (DSGC), writes Jill Harmer.
Sixteen-year-old Ross started flying with the club in May following a trial lesson evening with his Air Cadet squadron.
He has spent most weekends at North Hill training with the DSGC Instructors in many different weather conditions. On Sunday, he had completed the full training syllabus and Instructor John Sillett gave Ross some final check flights before stepping out of the glider to let Ross complete his first solo flight.
This is just the first step for Ross in setting off on a flying career, as he hopes to join the Navy and fly helicopters.
Junior development coordinator and flying instructor at DSGC, Pete Harmer said: “It’s great to have a good source of young pilots at the club who can start their flying career in gliders, going solo, enjoying soaring and cross-country flying then focussing on wider aviation opportunities.”
DSGC actively encourages young people to take up the sport of gliding, offering special discounted rates for those under 21years.
Devon and Somerset Gliding Club is a British Gliding Association accredited Junior Gliding Centre.
For more information on all things about the club is available at www.dsc.co.uk
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