COULD this teenager be the youngest pilot currently flying solo in the UK?

Tudor Pack took to the air without an instructor the day he turned 16 – the youngest you are allowed to fly alone.

The King Edward’s School student began learning to fly while he was still 15, undertaking more than 20 hours of training.

He is now planning a career as a commercial pilot following a stint in the Royal Air Force. But first he must gain a full pilot’s licence – which he hopes to do at the earliest opportunity as a 17- year-old.

Tudor, of Bitterne, admitted he suffered a few nerves as he took off for the first time from Lower Upham Airfield – but soon began to enjoy his first solo flight.

He said: “It was a bit nerveracking at first, but in the end it went well and was great as soon as I was in the air. To start with it felt different because you are used to having someone sitting there with you.

“But it felt brilliant and was the best birthday present ever.”

Tudor’s tutors at the Solent Flight flying school say they were amazed by the teenager’s progress and that they rarely hear of others of the same age flying solo.

Owner Andrew Temple said: “What he has done is really exceptional. I have been here for 15 years and while others have tried to do what he has, Tudor has actually put the effort in and done it.”

Tudor became fascinated with planes when dad John took him to Southampton Airport’s viewing area.

John said: “As a parent it is always nice to see your child do well.

It’s something he has always wanted to do and nothing flummoxes him.”