The skys the limit for one local high flyer, Mark Miles of 3 Meadow Park, Burton, who has recently gained his Airline Transport Pilot Licence.

Mark, aged 20, graduated on October 13th after a 15 month course with British Aerospace Europe, a flying school in Southern Spain. He knew he wanted to fly from a young age and flew solo in a glider at the age of 16, achieving his glider certificate at 18. He also already had his Private Pilots Licence, which he gained while studying for his A levels. Once he finished school, Mark applied to various flying schools, and chose British Aerospace Europe, in Jerez, Andalucia.

Sometimes I would be flying in 40 heat, said Mark. Nightflying was the best part of the course. It was the only part of the day that was below 30. When we took off for nightflying we could see Seville, a big city in Southern Spain. I could also see the rock of Gibraltar beautifully lit up and the amazing lights of Africa. Mark had to take 14 exams which took 30 weeks to prepare for in Ground School, a classroom environment. The pupils would spend 12 hours a day studying for these exams and still have to find time to fit in their flying. Mark said: It was a really intensive course. He started off by flying single engine Warriors before moving on to a twin engine Seneca III. This gave him his commercial flying licence, which means that he can now fly with passengers.

He also passed a tough exam to fly by instruments alone and had to take a course in Multi-Crew Co-operation to learn to work as a team in the cockpit.

But it was not all work and no play as the campus that Mark stayed at was an ex-military base. It was fully equipped with swimming pools, tennis courts, volleyball courts and a gym. Time was also found to experience the local beach nightclubs and nights in Morocco.

After a graduation ceremony in Spain, which was attended by all his family and friends, he has applied for jobs with a number of different airlines. Mark added: The instructors were top class and my parents are very proud. I have made some great friends and I hope to go back to Jerez one day. The next step is to start earning for my career.

Mark at the controls of a plane at Haverfordwest Airport, Withybush.