He flew a glider at the age of 14

Martin Hrovat is sixteen years old. He goes to the Jesenice High School in Slovenia. He is happiest when he is flying in the air. He is also my cousin.

He plays tennis and goes to music school where he plays the organ. In his spare time he likes to read comics and work with technology.

He is interested in 3D design, 3D printing, and virtual reality.

He prefers to spend his time in the air – flying a glider.

He became interested in flying at a young age when he wanted to become an astronaut. (He says that he has not completely given up on this idea).

This interest developed into a love of aviation, which led to flying simulators on a home computer.

He listened to hundreds of hours of lectures and successfully passed many tests. 

He continued his practical training at the Lesce-Bled airport with the help of teacher, mentor, and role model, Gabrijel Pesjak.

At the beginning he flew a Blanik L-13 aircraft, manufactured in 1972. This amused him because the aircraft is older than his father.

From then on, his joy in flying only increased.

At that time, he was the youngest member of the club, and the previous summer three other fourteen-year-olds joined him.

Martin now flies independently and has around 50 hours of flight time as a PIC – pilot in command. This is the person responsible for the operation of the aircraft and safety during the flight.

He trained to fly two more gliders – ASK-21 and CS Astir G-102.

Flight training is not mandatory. However, the unwritten rule is that the pilot familiarizes himself with the characteristics and peculiarities of the new aircraft and performs a flight of 500 to 600 meters around the airport.

Martin Hrovat

He slept at the airport during the summer holidays so that he could help maintain the planes, study, and take off as early as possible in the morning.

His next aviation goals are to upgrade to Elan’s dg-100 aircraft, complete his SPL license, and participate in gliding competitions.

After high school he plans to study mechanical engineering, majoring in aviation, and then work as a military pilot.

Glossary

A glider is a non-engined aircraft that uses thermal and other air currents to maintain altitude and move.

3D design is the process of creating three-dimensional models or graphics.

3D printing is the foundation of the modern visual industry and enables unlimited possibilities for creativity and innovation.

Virtual reality is an imaginary reality.

The SPL (Sailplane Pilot License) is a license for glider pilots.

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The original version of this article was published on November 24^th.