Sienna Hunter: Flying Solo at 14

Throughout my aviation journey, all I’ve been able to talk about is how unimaginable it is to be able to do what I do. Going solo at 14, breaking club records, flying aerobatics and much more, it’s quite literally insane. I first started gliding when I was 13 years old. 

I took my first flight on the 27th of May 2022. And since that point onwards it’s become not only my hobby but has pushed me towards my dream aviation career. My whole life I’ve been on airfields, as my grandfather has been a glider pilot for many years. Due to that, by the age of 13 I wanted to try it out and have not once looked back. The thrill and the excitement that goes through you when thousands of feet in the air never goes away. That’s why I love it so much. 

When I first went solo at 14, I was not only excited and happy to be able to do what other people my age couldn’t do, but also knew how amazing it was to realise I had finally done it. It was a feeling I will never forget. Going at solo at 14 is such an achievement and I’ll never forget how proud I was of myself to have been able to do that. Now 16, I can see how far I've come and how much I have accomplished. 

Aerobatics in a glider has got to have been one of best experiences I have ever had. The rush of adrenaline and the G-Force is insane. The feeling of that will never go away and that's why I love it. The world seems so much more interesting when thousands of feet above ground upside down. The peace it brings is unexplainable, and I'm so happy that I get the opportunity to be able to do that.

As someone who started off at an early age, all I can say is go for it. If you want it, you can get it. You only see the world once, why not see it from another dimension? If you are thinking about trying out gliding, I'd say absolutely. It's definitely something that is worth the while and I couldn't imagine anything better. This is your sign to go for it. Nothing is impossible.

Being a solo glider pilot, especially since the age of 14 I have got to say I did have some nerves. It's a big responsibility, but I wouldn't change it for the world. As I started going solo more regularly it built up my confidence and I started to feel a lot better about it. Now I see myself so much more confident than how I was when I first went solo, and from my perspective it was a challenge, now I'm happier than ever. 

My dream is to become a private pilot. I couldn't imagine anything better than being in the air, where it's peaceful and being able to do something I love. Leading up to that, I'm building up my flying hours, which is also going towards my bronze endorsement and cross country. I am so excited to see what my future holds within my aviation journey, and to be able to share it too.