A GREAT Sutton teenager is flying high after becoming the youngest female pilot to fly solo at a flying school.
Laura Power, 16, of Acacia Drive, performed the feat for about 20 minutes around the fields of the Hawarden-based Flintshire Flying School on Friday.
Laura, who is now studying for her GCSEs at Whitby High School, said the event was an emotional occasion.
She said: “It was the biggest buzz of my life! It was terrifying but I loved it, and when I finished I was crying, my instructor was nearly in tears as well. It was just amazing.
“I wanted to do this for so long. I want to be a pilot in the future and although I’m still at school I’ll still be able to fly over the weekends.”
Her father Steve was delighted at her daughter’s achievement, and believes Laura could be one of the youngest female solo pilots in the country.
He said: “I am extremely proud of her. Laura’s instructor had never heard of anyone younger who has done this – we’re trying to research if there is anyone in the UK to do so on the web. She is the youngest one is the flying school’s history.
“Laura has been interested in flying since she was very little, she has a big passion and wants to be a pilot.
“She is pretty natural and confident as her flying goes, she only did 18 hours training before the solo flight.”
Steve added he was not quite sure where her inspiration had come from.
“I wouldn’t put myself up there, I like keeping my feet on firm ground! Her aunt was a stewardess for United Airlines though.”
