2 Millionth Young Eagle Flies Thursday, July, 28

July 27, 2016 - EAA lifetime member Harrison Ford will fly the 2 millionth Young Eagle, 16-year-old Jodie Gawthrop, Thursday, July 28, at 2:15 p.m., departing from the Boeing Centennial Plaza.

Ford served as chairman of the Young Eagles program for five years, between 2004 and 2009.

Three additional Young Eagles will receive flights from EAA community leaders as part of the program’s milestone.

The 1,999,998th Young Eagle will be flown by former Young Eagles co-chairman, Jeff Skiles. Young Eagles chairman and champion aerobatic pilot Sean D. Tucker will then fly Young Eagle number 1,999,999.

After the 2 millionth flight by Ford, Young Eagle number 2 million-plus one will receive a flight from Fred Stadler, the EAA member who has given the most Young Eagle flights. Stadler is a volunteer pilot at EAA’s Pioneer Airport.

Gawthrop’s love for aviation began in 2013 while she was in the Civil Air Patrol’s cadet orientation program.

She said she plans to carry that love for aviation into a career when she applies to a military academy post-high school. She is aiming to join the ranks of the U.S. Air Force or Navy.

“I have prepared myself for this responsibility through choosing to take on new challenges on a daily basis as I continue through this stage of my life,” Gawthrop said. “This new, exciting responsibility is something that I feel prepared for.”

In addition to flying with Ford, Gawthrop also received complimentary AirVenture admission and lodging for her and her parents, and will receive a Lightspeed Aviation headset and a $7,500 flight training scholarship.

“It’s a bit surreal, I wasn’t really expecting to have an opportunity to continue my flight training at this age,” Gawthrop said. “I’m just really thankful and I look forward to what lies ahead.”