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Courtesy of Lloyd Vaughan and Thisisthewestcountry.co.uk

A 17-YEAR-OLD plane enthusiast received the ultimate Christmas present this year – a Private Pilot’s Licence.

Kurtis Green, from Bishop's Hull, had hoped to earn his wings before the big day but was left feeling disappointed when bad weatther grounded him just 2.5 hours short of his goal.

Not to be perturbed, Kurtis managed to squeeze in the remaining flight time needed and booked an examiner to take him on his final test on Christmas Eve.

Kurtis passed and joined the prestigious group of youngsters who manage to obtain their licence in their first eligible year.

He said: “I decided not to tell anyone about it and just went for it on Christmas Eve and came home with a pass.

“There are not too many 17-year-olds who can say they have their own pilot’s licence.”

Kurtis became fascinated with planes after receiving his first flight experience at Dunkeswell for his 11th birthday. Quickly becoming hooked on aircraft, Dunkeswell owner Brendan Procter allowed Kurtis to visit most weekends and later gave him the job he now does full-time.

But his love of aeronautics turned into a career ambition when he started logging flight hours, aided by a scholarship in June 2009 which gave him 15 hours towards the 45 needed to gain his licence.

Kurtis funded his flying by doing jobs for family members, a daily paper round and saving birthday and Christmas money.

Kurtis' next aim will be to complete his Commercial Pilot’s Licence.

Proud mum Tamsin said: “We couldn't have asked for a better Christmas present.”

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