Ben Morton, took control and flew solo for the first time under the instruction of Chris Jones, Chief Flying Instructor at Chris Jones Gyroplanes located at Kirkbride Airfield near Wigton.

While not a traditional aeroplane, an autogyro, also known as a gyroplane or gyrocopter, is a type of aircraft that uses an unpowered rotor in free autorotation to develop lift.

Forward thrust is provided independently, by an engine-driven propeller.

The craft resembles a helicopter, and gyroplane tours throughout Cumbria are a popular passtime for tourists and it is a perfect way to experience the dramatic landscapes that the Lake District has to offer, as only a smooth, flat area is what is required in order to safely land and take off a gyroplane, meaning they can be taken pretty much anywhere that allows that.

Kirkbride Airfield is owned and maintained by Solway Light Aviation Ltd.

They say of their airfield: "It's probably one of the most picturesque airfields in the UK situated in the North West corner of Cumbria, with the imposing fells of the Lake District to the East and the Solway heritage coast on the West. Easy to find, just 9 miles west of Carlisle and with 4000ft of asphalt to land on it makes an ideal location for your aeronautical adventure."

Ben has completed twenty five hours of dual training on the two seat German made MT03 Gyroplane before flying solo.

This is even before Ben can be allowed out onto the roads with a driving licence.

He will soon be able to fly to places he can't even drive to.

Chris Jones has been training Gyroplane pilots for over twenty years but Ben is by far the youngest person he has trained.

Chris said 'Ben has taken all of the training in his stride, his ultimate goal is to become a gyroplane instructor and he certainly has the talent to achieve his ambition'.

Ben has another fifteen hours to complete and has to reach the the ripe old age of seventeen before he can apply for his Private Pilots Licence but what an incredible flying start he has, normally it would take around 35 hours of training to get a license.