We are proud to announce that Harry Staines, our first year T Level Civil Engineering student, has today officially become the UK’s youngest private aircraft pilot, having turned 17 yesterday.
Harry’s passion for flying started at the age of 10 despite there being no pilots in his family, but from a young age he was always able to provide the technical specification of every aircraft he’s travelled on as a passenger.
Harry then met Kevin Rowell from the Advanced Flight Training School in Sherburn. Since September 2023 he has received exceptional training from the team at AFT, and now is the youngest pilot in the country with a Private Pilot Licence.
Harry is still a member at Sherburn and has been overwhelmed by how the other members have welcomed him, all have encouraged him and have been so friendly. Harry has 45 flying hours logged and plans to continue to build his hours and start a modular Commercial Pilot Licence training programme as soon as he has completed his studies at Runshaw. His ultimate dream would be to become a pilot for his favourite F1 team!
Harry’s mum Jenny added, “A special thanks to Runshaw too, who have allowed Harry the time off to sit the exams. The support he has had has been outstanding. He is so very happy at Runshaw – Thank you!”
What an achievement at 17 to be able to fly an aircraft. Harry’s tutor Stuart Hide (pictured below) is incredibly proud, as are all of us here at Runshaw. Well done Harry!
