NORTHWOOD teenager Shiran Amin is laying claim to being Britain’s youngest qualified pilot after getting his licence this week.
The Merchant Taylors’ student was awarded his Private Pilot’s Licence (PPL) at the Denham Aerodrome in Bucks on Monday, two years after starting his training.
Aged 16 years, two months and 29 days, he has pipped previous record holder, East Sussex boy Jack Dopson, who was just a few days older when he earned his wings in 2008. He is still nine months away from being able to learn to drive and it will be almost two years before he can vote.
Shiran had to clock up at least 45 hours in the air and complete cross country flights, demonstrate his flying skills in a practical test, and gain high pass mark in a series of written exams.
He is now able to fly with an instructor, but will not be able to take to the skies unaccompanied until he turns 17 in November.
Shiran, of Tolcarne Drive, Northwood Hills, was hooked after going on his first flight just after his 13th birthday.
“It was the most amazing thing I have ever done, bouncing around in the wind. It’s totally different from being on an airline.
“Obviously it is a little out of the ordinary, but all my friends think my flying is pretty cool.
“I am really happy that I’ve passed. I want to be a pilot when I’m older.”
He can now concentrate on this summer’s GCSE exams, for which he is predicted a clean sweep of A*s.
Shiran’s dad Ashwin, 50, stumped up the £9,000 to pay for the course, and told the Gazette: “He has been interested in planes since he was very young, and we have always encouraged him. We couldn’t be prouder.”
Alwynn Garcia, chief flight instructor, added: “Shiran has worked very hard, and he has been very focused and studious throughout the course. He was an excellent student.
“Shiran passed all of his exams first time, which is not easy, and he managed to balance it with his school work so it’s a massive accomplishment.”
