A 21-Year-Old Joins British Airways as a First Officer
Joe Cortez September 12, 2014
Jonathan Irwin will fly short-haul routes on an Airbus A320 out of Gatwick.
The Guinness Book of World Records may have a new candidate for the youngest commercial airline First Officer. At 21, Jonathan Irwin recently joined British Airways as a First Officer, and will be assigned to fly an Airbus A320 aircraft from London Gatwick Airport (LGW). Irwin will fly on short-haul routes across Europe.
According to The Mortley Observer, being a pilot has always been young Irwin’s dream. At 16, Irwin piloted a glider solo. Irwin also spent six years training with Air Training Corps 168 Leeds after his gap year.
“Ever since he was 11, Jonathan wanted to become a pilot,” Irwin’s father, Paul, told The Mortley Observer. “We’re not an aviation family and he decided to go for it on his own … he’s living his dream and he is absolutely loving it.”
According to the UK Civil Aviation Authority, the minimum age to be licensed for a commercial pilot’s license is 18 if the pilot has earned an EASA Part-FCL Class 1 Medical Certificate and has met the training prerequisites. In addition, prospective pilots must meet qualification requirements based on the aircraft they plan on flying.
Irwin’s family could not be more proud and are happy to support him in his dream of ultimately becoming a Captain. “We are absolutely delighted,” Paul Irwin told The Mortley Observer. “It is a difficult profession and he has worked extremely hard … it’s worth it to help pursue his dream and to see him happy.”
Irwin’s family has positive words for anyone who wants to take to the skies as a pilot of their own. Paul Irwin said, “If anyone is thinking of becoming a pilot, then work hard and go for it!”
[Photo: The Mortley Observer]
Forgive my American ignorance, but gap years aren't as popular here, but I believed that gap years typically meant a year taken before going to University. If this guy spent 6 years training after his gap year that would make him about 24 correct?
So if this was a Chinese airline the author would have to use 执照 instead of license? Just because an article is about a person on a particular country does not mean the writer needs to report it in the language of the subject of the story.
"Youngest commerical airline first officer"? I've trouble believing there are no 21 year old first officers piloting regional jets. That is commericial aviation. Youngest mainline first officer? That I can believe.
Pilot's licence, not license. Remember this is the UK, not USA.