Westchester teen takes flight with Harrison Ford

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Friday, July 29, 2016
Westchester teen takes flight with Harrison Ford
Jodie Gawthrop, 16, of Westchester, Ill., joined actor Harrison Ford on a flight for the Experimental Aircraft Association's Young Eagles program Thursday.

OSHKOSH, Wis. (WLS) -- Jodie Gawthrop, 16, of Westchester, Ill., joined actor Harrison Ford on a flight for the Experimental Aircraft Association's Young Eagles program Thursday.

"It's a huge group of dedicated pilots who all come together, donate their time, use their airplanes to introduce people to aviation," said Harrison Ford.

Gawthrop has been in love with planes since her first flight three years ago, but Thursday's flight may have been her favorite one yet.

"I'm just really thankful for this experience and for the opportunity to pursue my dreams of flying. Thank you so much to everyone who made this possible. Thank you Harrison," Gawthrop said.

And for Ford, who's been a licensed pilot for more than 20 years, it was a flight that will forever stick out.

"This particular flight is one I'll remember for a long time. This was really, really fun," Ford said.

Gawthrop received a $7,500 scholarship as part of the young eagles program. She plans on using that to help pay for flying lessons. She flew an airplane for the first time in June, so she's well on her way to her license.