A 14-YEAR-OLD took full advantage of new EU rules to fly a glider on his birthday.

Oliver Dudley-Heidkamp, left, from Thame flew the ASK-13 glider solo at the Upward Bound Trust’s Haddenham Airfield after new EU rules changed the legal age to fly a glider from 16 to 14.

The Lord Williams pupil was presented with a certificate by deputy chairman of the British Gliding Association and British Airways pilot Andrew Perkins, pictured.

Oliver said: “It was amazing, like no other feeling I’ve ever had before.”

Chief flying instructor from Haddenham Mike Clark added: “It is a great opportunity for young people to develop confidence and judgement at a very young age.

“Flying an aircraft requires them to demonstrate enormous responsibility to ensure that they and others are safe in the sky.

“Oliver has demonstrated that he is able achieve the standards required and I am delighted for him.”