PPRuNe Forums - View Single Post - First solo for 14 year-old glider pilot in UK?
Old 6th Jan 2013, 08:58
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BabyBear
 
Join Date: Dec 2006
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The can fly can't drive question is one I have considered and from my observations there are numerous possibilities for it being acceptable on safety grounds.

1) Flying attracts those with a greater level of maturity and is something the individual desires for themselves. It is done within a controlled environment and each flight is authorised and monitored.

2) Crucially flying is also done without the distraction and influence of back seat driver friends.

3) The training is more comprehensive than driver training.

4) Responsibility comes from the danger being much more apparent than in driving.

As much as I agree that at first sight it seems illogical I can't find any reason to stop 14 year olds gliding and interestingly I think it would be disastrous to allow them to drive. I may even go as far as to say 17 is too young to drive.

Personally I think it's great.

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