14-year-old Greasby schoolboy named youngest solo pilot in UK

At 12 years old Stanly Molyneux, from Greasby, asked for a hard drive and RAM to build his own computer and got heavily into gaming. 

Stanly then started playing flight simulator games and so his dad, Steve Molyneux took him to an experience flight at Denbigh Gliding Club, North Wales in August 2021.

Speaking to the Globe, Steve said: "He had an experience flight with his flying instructor Chris Gill, and he absolutely loved it."

At the start of 2022, Stanly went to more flying lessons and became a junior member of the flying club. He was given his logbook and syllabus to work through. 

Chris told Stanly that he was progressing really well, but unfortunately, it was illegal for Stanly to pilot a non-powered aircraft before he was 14.

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After completing flying training over the past year on Tuesday (February 7), Stanly's 14th birthday, Stanly and Steve made their way down to Denbigh Gliding Club so that Stanly could solo pilot the first day he was legally allowed to. 

Stanly received an aerotow to 1,500 feet, released over Denbigh, completed his manoeuvres and guided the plane back to land on the club runway all on his own.

Not only does this make him the youngest solo pilot currently in the UK but also the youngest solo pilot ever in Wales.

Steve added: "Chris was made up that Stanly had done it. Stanly just had a big beaming smile.

"It's unusual for someone of that age to fly solo. I'm so proud, it's just incredible if you think about it."

Chris Gill shaking Stanly's hand (Image: Steve Molyneux)

Stanly has aspirations of joining the RAF and is currently a member of the Upton 2184 squadron.

You can see more of Stanly’s flying on his Instagram: @Stan_The_Flying_Man