A NORTHLEW student is flying high after making his first solo flight at the the age of just sixteen.
Cristian Page started flying lessons just over a year ago, learning to take to the air at an aviation school in Naples, Florida during his school holidays.
Cristian is currently studying for his GCSEs at Kelly College, Tavistock, and would like to become a pilot. He had a great boost when the RAF had a recruitment drive at Kelly College recently, where they expressed interest in sponsoring him for a sixth-form scholarship to train as an RAF pilot.
Cristian achieved the huge milestone in his flight training of successfully completing his first solo flight at the Florida aviation school in April.
Cristian chose to learn at an American school because flying lessons are much cheaper in the US and the climate is better for flying with clear blue skies most of the year.
From a young age, Cristian has always been fascinated with flying.
Cristian?s father Bob said: ?As a young lad he always found it great fun when his pet ducks and geese flew around the family home in Northlew.?
He was also keen on building, flying and repairing remote controlled model aeroplanes before getting into the real thing.
Cristian?s flight instructor Sascha Holligers of Florida said Cristian had ?demonstrated superior flying skills, a strong dedication to the required academic study and a motivation for success, unequaled by any other students.?