A MARKINCH teenager is reaching for the skies after landing a pilot’s licence at the earliest opportunity.

Steven Hepburn was awarded his solo pilot’s licence last week on his 17th birthday—the earliest that anyone can achieve the feat.

Now the high-flying youngster is hoping to continue his flight path by pursuing a career in aviation.

Steven, a pupil at Bell Baxter High School, Cupar, sat seven written exams and two practical agreements on his way to achieving the licence, as well as spending well over 50 hours in the air with flying instructors based in Dundee and at Fife Airport, near Glenrothes.

“I got hooked after a flying lesson for my 12th birthday and that was it,” he said. “Now what I want get into is commercial aviation as a career, and maybe one day pilot the Airbus 380.”

Over the course of his training Steven has had many instructors, but highlighted Stuart Gilmour and Graeme Price as his key mentors.

“I regard them not only as instructors but now friends as well,” said Steven, who spends all his free time working at Fife Airport.

His delighted mum June said, “I’m really chuffed for him as it’s something he’s always wanted to do.

“I’ve never really thought about it being dangerous but he really knows what he’s doing, so it doesn’t worry me.

“His friends are all wanting to go up with him but I think I’ll be first in the queue.”

Steven, who has yet to learn to drive a car, applied for his provisional licence and began learning to fly on his 16th birthday.