He is hoping to make his first solo flight during the youth soaring development camp in Omarama this week.
The camp is designed to take young pilots who already have gliding experience and teach them to fly further and faster.
Matthew, who is the youngest of 23 participants, has been flying gliders on and off for nearly two years.
The Christchurch teenager, who is home-schooled, had always enjoyed going on aeroplane flights and his interest was fostered at an aviation camp at Hororata about three years ago.
"It's real fun being up in the air. Looking down is pretty sweet," he said.
Matthew was excited about the prospect of flying solo, saying he was mentally ready for it. Age was not a barrier, although most young pilots were about 15 when they went solo, he said.
Matthew was the only member of his family to glide and he contributed to the cost by delivering circulars and papers. He admitted his friends thought his hobby was "pretty awesome".
The camp is instigated by Youth Glide Canterbury and modelled on the popular Walsh Memorial Scout Flying School for power pilots run by Scouting New Zealand.
