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Burston's aviation star continues rising trajectory with ambassador's role




A 16-year-old rising star of aviation, who became Britain’s youngest qualified pilot at 14, is continuing his impressive trajectory by being selected for a prestigious role.

Jack Jenner-Hall, from Burston, was encouraged to apply for the position of ambassador of aviation for the Department of Transport and, to his great surprise, he was selected for the role.

“A member of the British Gliding Association said I should apply and I sent in a letter outlining the things I would hope to achieve in the role,” explained Jack, who is currently studying at Diss High School. “I was stunned when they offered me the role.

Fourteen-year-old Jack Jenner-Hall has become the youngest glider in Britain when he undertook a solo route
Fourteen-year-old Jack Jenner-Hall has become the youngest glider in Britain when he undertook a solo route

“My main goals are to increase diversity in aviation, particularly in terms of age, because that’s a growing problem for the industry.

“Investing in improving that will make the aviation industry more sustainable, because, right now, the average age of people working in this industry is 55, which creates problems when those people start to retire.

“We could quickly be faced with a shortage of pilots and instructors if we don’t bring more young people in to the industry.”

As well as improving diversity, Jack also hopes to promote more affordable paths in to aviation, with the average cost of becoming a fully qualified pilot currently at £120,000.

Jack, who started out flying gliders, feels that gliding offers the perfect route in to aviation in terms of cost.

“I come from a single-parent family, so I understand how difficult it can be to gain flying experience in an affordable way,” he said. “Gliders are the best way forward in that respect.

“They are a cheap way to learn the fundamentals of flying and can allow people to qualify as a pilot for just a few thousand pounds in some cases.

“Some airlines offer fully-funded training courses, and that’s another important way the industry can make itself more accessible.

“We need more airlines to follow this route, because, ultimately, they are not just helping the individuals who come through, they are helping to preserve the future of the industry, and their company.

“I’m hoping to invest my energy in the diversity aspect, and a part of that will also be speaking at schools and colleges to get young people interested in flying and to speak to them about how to get involved.

“I also want to get the message across that anything is possible if you have the passion and dedication to succeed. Age should never be an issue.”

In July 2020, Jack became the youngest qualified pilot in Britain after completing his first solo flight in a glider on the day of his 14th birthday.

Jack spent 45 minutes more than 3,000 feet in the air to complete Norfolk Gliding Club’s junior training scheme and qualify.

Friends, family and TV reporters descended on Tibenham Airfield on the day to watch him as he completed two solo circuits.

The record is unlikely to be broken, as 14 is the minimum age at which a person can legally fly unassisted.



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