Glen Sparks reached his dream of becoming Australia’s youngest pilot when he took to the air at the Murrayfield Airport for his first ever solo flight on his 15th birthday last week.
In 2014, the minimum age for students to fly solo was reduced to 15 years, which was the trigger for Glen to set his goal of flying solo on the first day possible.
Born on February 1, 2002 in Dundee, Scotland (eight hours behind WA time), Glen was technically still 14-years-old when he took to the air.
But that didn’t phase the youngster, whose dedication was praised by Royal Aero Club of WA flight instructor John Crisp.
Glen was supposed to be back at school this week attending classes at Mandurah Baptist College. However, his parents agreed that he could miss the first day of school to allow him to achieve his dream.
Supported by the Royal Aero Club’s Young Eagles aviation program and Australian Airforce Cadets, Glen found it hard to find words after completing his first flight.
“It is an unbelievable feeling flying solo. I didn’t grasp the impact of it until I was up in the air and turned to where my instructor was supposed to be, and I realised I was in fact flying the aircraft completely alone,” he said.
He also advised other budding pilots to train for a solo flight.
“Go for it, focus on building flying hours, train hard and complete your study. It is extremely rewarding and fun,” he said.
Glen’s next goal is to progress to flying solo away from Murrayfield Airport. His ultimate dream is to obtain his commercial pilots licence and fly for an airline.
Glen’s mother Sonya was extremely proud of her son’s dedication.
“Since he was little he was adamant that he was going to learn how to fly and that determination has never waived,” she said.
Murrayfield Airport is owned and operated by the Royal Aero Club of WA.
For more information visit royalaeroclubwa.com.au
