By Dick Knapinski, EAA Jodie Gawthrop got the opportunity of a lifetime in July 2016 when she was chosen to be EAA’s 2 millionth Young Eagle and take her flight with pilot and actor Harrison Ford at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2016. Since then, she’s done one better – earning her own private pilot certificate this past summer. “When I became a private pilot, I felt this new sense of independence, as if more doors had been opened,” said Gawthrop, an Illinois native who took her famous Young Eagles flight at age 17. “It doesn’t feel like the end of a journey, but instead feels like the beginning of a new one with so much more to learn, and I absolutely can’t wait for what the future holds.”
Jodie Gawthrop (left) and pilot/actor Harrison Ford after their flight at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2016 that made Gawthrop the 2 millionth Young Eagle. Ford was Young Eagles chairman in 2003 -2008 and continues to fly Young Eagles today. (EAA photo/Mike Steineke)
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It’s been a busy summer for Gawthrop, who also fit in a study trip to Australia immediately after passing her checkride and earning her pilot certificate. She also this year had a chance meeting with Eric Whyte, who received his Young Eagles flight in August 1992 and became one of the first Young Eagles to earn a pilot certificate. He now flies professionally and has personally flown more than 600 Young Eagles. Gawthrop has also been involved with Civil Air Patrol for a number of years, giving her a firm foundation and support system for her
