Bingley teenager gains pilot licence in seven weeks

Mollie Wadsworth, 17, said gaining her private pilot licence was "just amazing"

A West Yorkshire teenager has gained a private pilot licence - even before passing her driving test.

Mollie Wadsworth, 17, from Crossflatts, Bingley, gained a scholarship through The Honourable Company of Air Pilots and passed after just seven weeks.

She spent her summer holidays honing her skills with the Yorkshire Aviation Academy at Leeds East Airport.

Mollie said: "I'd like to pass my driving test soon, but flying is a lot easier."

She has been part of the 2431 (Keighley) Squadron air cadets for five years, with her interest also stemming from having a go on a flight simulator and computer games.

"I initially wanted to be an air traffic controller because I really liked watching planes, I thought that was the best idea ever," she said.

"Then I decided it was cooler to fly them."

The young pilot, whose scholarship was funded by Air BP, took her first flight at 13 at RAF Linton-on-Ouse.

Mollie trained for her pilot licence during the summer holidays

Along with gaining her licence, she was recently named the "most outstanding scholar" in her cohort.

"I've wanted to do it for so long, it's just amazing," she said.

"I don't think without the passion I have I could have done so well."

Mollie, who is currently taking driving lessons, learned to fly in Cessna 152 aircraft.

The teenager hopes to gain further flying qualifications and seek a career in aviation

"You're very cramped sat next to your instructor," she said.

"I did it at Leeds East Airport which is near York and the River Humber, so there were so many nice views."

Her father, Harvey Wadsworth, said the family's pride was "hard to put into words".

"The first time the instructor got out of the plane and she was on her own it was a bit nerve-wracking," he recalled.

"Her goal is to become a captain for British Airways, Emirates, one of the big airlines, being a commercial pilot for long-haul flights."