A STUDENT has gained his private pilot's licence after only two months of training.

Gary Fox, 22, of Dene Gardens, Houghton, Wearside, has now set his sights on becoming a commercial airline pilot as he continues his studies in avionics at York University.

He hopes to join a British Airways training scheme on completion of his degree course in the summer, with the prospect of qualifying as a pilot by the age of 25.

Gary said he developed an interest in flying as a career after seeing the movie Top Gun as a young boy.

He went to St Robert of Newminster School, Washington, and as a teenager spent several years in the 2214 Usworth Air Training Corps, where he developed his love of flying.

He gained experience with the air cadets through trips to RAF Leeming and summer camps, and spent his school work experience time at RAF Boulmer.

Gary went for his private pilot's licence as a member of Newcastle Aero Club in the summer, and was able to take lessons twice a day in an intensive course.

As a result, he passed in only eight weeks instead of the usual six months to a year.