Achieves Both Goals Within Days Of His 17th Birthday

A New Hampshire teenager has become the youngest person ever to hold both a private pilot and helicopter license, receiving both within days of his 17th birthday.

Robert Pinksten (pictured in image from YouTube video), who last year became the youngest person to fly a helicopter solo at the age of 16, got his helo ticket on July 2, his 17th birthday, according to a report from USA Today. Thursday, the got his private pilot's license, making him the youngest person ever to hold both ratings.

“A full private license is basically like getting your driver’s license instead of just a learner’s permit,” Pinksten said. “Now I can fly with passengers. I can fly solo. I can go fun places.”

Pinksten first soloed in December 2012 with 8.6 hours in his logbook. The FAA confirmed that he is the youngest to achieve both ratings, and he did so in the shortest time recorded. They said that there are two other 17 year olds with private pilot and helo tickets, but neither one achieved the goal so close to their 17th birthday

He told USA Today that his plans include $100 hamburger flights with his dad to Maine and New York. No word on who will be paying for lunch.

FMI: www.faa.gov