Jul 2018 Today Jodie Gawthrop is a Private Pilot!

We have a new private pilot!

A very excited Jodie Gawthrop!

It turns out that Jodie Gawthrop is FAR more than an average 18 year old with dreams of flying. Today she got the job done, earned her ticket, and I’m very proud of her. I met Jodie just a few days ago, right here in Indianapolis, her home since moving to Indy with her parents and family last year. After chatting with Jodie several times on Facebook, I was happy to finally meet her at her new home base, nearby KUMP, and give her a ride in my Decathlon.

Jodie Gawthrop. Photo courtesy EAA.

Jodie is special in so many ways. She’s young and passionate about everything aviation. She adores warbirds, taildraggers, hot air balloons, the mechanics of it all, and just loves to fly. Knowing all that, it’s spectacular realizing that in 2016, Jodie was the lucky 2 millionth EAA Young Eagle. Incredible. Thousands and thousands of Young Eagles have flown, many by LadiesLoveTaildraggers members, and this young lady was the lucky number 2 million. I had no idea until she nonchalantly mentioned it during our flight. 😉

Jodie Gawthrop & Harrison Ford. Selfie by Jodie Gawthrop

Her big reward was flying with Harrison Ford in his DeHavilland Beaver over the skies of Oshkosh, Wisconsin. And if that wasn’t fabulous enough, EAA paid for her and her family’s trip to AirVenture 2016 including lodging and daily admission, she won a Lightspeed Aviation headset and best of all, a $7,500 flight training scholarship. And that brings us to today.

Jodie Gawthrop & Harrison Ford. Photo: Chicago Sun Times

Today, Jodie is an 18 year old private pilot with her entire future ahead. She has big plans that include warbirds, general aviation, an A&P and we can only guess what else. Congratulations to Jodie Gawthrop. Congratulations to the EAA for their foresight and focus on our youth. Well done!

Jodie Gawthrop & Harrison Ford. Photo: Chicago Sun Times