A LLANDOGO lad has learnt to fly a plane before he can drive a car.

Rory Bennett, 17, was awarded his JAA Private Pilot Licence (PPL) on Sunday 26th October after flying for two years.

Rory can now fly passengers in a small aircraft and can even fly to countries abroad.

This is a rare achievement for someone so young and Rory already has grand ambitions for the future.

Flying is in Rory’s blood and is something he’s always been passionate about. He said: “My Grandad Harold Lewis encouraged me to fly, he was an air gunner in the Second World War.

“To get my licence I had to sit nine written exams, one radio exam and had to fly for a minimum of 45 hours.

“I’m now looking forward to taking my family flying. In one year I’d like to apply for my commercial licence.”

To apply for a commercial flying licence Rory must now receive a sponsor from an airline.