A TEENAGER from Ashill has become one of the youngest certified glider pilots in the UK after gaining his qualification earlier this year.

Benjie Pitts, 14, who attends Wellington School, gained his certification in July after training with Devon and Somerset Gliding Club (DSGC), which is based at North Hill Airfield, near Dunkeswell Aerodrome.

Having always had a passion for flying, Benjie was gifted a trial flight in July 2024 by his grandfather as a ‘well done’ for excelling in music.

Benjie said he loved the flight, and ultimately it was what led him to join DSGC and learn how to fly with an instructor.

He received strong support from the instructors at the gliding club and Angela Pitts, Benjie’s mother, said that under their guidance his flying ability has progressed incredibly well.

After a year of training with the club, Benjie flew solo in July 2025, becoming a qualified solo glider pilot in the process.

Benjie said that the journey so far has been incredible and that he is learning so much, including ground operation skills to go alongside the skills needed in the sky. He continues to try and fly every few weeks to keep himself up to date, and has flown eight solo flights since qualifying.

His goal is to continue advancing his skills as a solo glider pilot, before working towards solo aero towing and gaining his sailplane pilot license when he is 16.

Angela said: “As a mum I am incredibly proud of Benjie - he has shown such a strong working ethic and dedication to gliding and to watch him in the air and then land the glider at the age of 14 all on his own was quite something!”

Benjie’s ultimate aim however is to become an instructor so that he can help others learn to fly.