Junior glider pilot Emily flew her first solo glider flight from Stratford on Avon Gliding club last Sunday.

Emily, who is just 14 years old was met on landing and congratulated by her dad.

Emily has beaten her dad, also a pre-solo pilot and at Snitterfield and a qualified power pilot to the first glider solo goal. Hopefully this is a good sign of future family competition as they progress as glider pilots.

Stratford Full-Cat instructor Barry K put Emily through her paces with simulated launch failures and general handling tests before authorising her first solo flight.

Despite being late season, there was enough lift for a few thermal turns before returning to Snitterfield for a spot-landing parallel to the northerly cross-track.

Emily takes over from Ben as the youngest solo glider pilot at Snitterfield.