YOUNG pilot Tom Preece is qualified to fly a four-seater plane, but he hasn’t got a driving licence!

Pembrokeshire College student Tom, 17, took his first solo flight just after his 16th birthday, in a two-seater Cessna 150.

He was taught by Jane McNamara at The Haverfordwest School of Flying, Fly Wales, at Withybush Aerodrome.

After successfully completing his flying training, nine written exams, a solo cross country flight to land at two other airports (Shobdon and Swansea) a radio exam and his final skills test, Tom became a fully qualified pilot.

But he had to wait until he turned 17 to receive his Private Pilot's Licence (PPL).

“I really enjoyed teaching him, and he has done very well,” said Jane. “To get your PPL at any stage of your life is a wonderful achievement, but to have passed everything and be able to fly at 16, before you can drive, is fantastic.

“You can do your skills test at 16 but have to be 17 before being issued with your PPL licence and be able to take passengers.”

Tom is currently studying engineering, but he’s hoping for a future career as a commercial pilot.

He has already taken members of his family for a pleasure flight.

“It’s great being up in a plane,” he said. “You don’t think about anything else. You just fly.”