Local teen completes first solo flight on 16th birthday

(HARRISON, OH.) – A local teen marked his 16th birthday this past weekend by accomplishing a major goal!

Charles Finnegan is a South Dearborn sophomore who has dreams of becoming a full-time pilot when he is older. 

He set a goal for himself this past winter: To begin taking flying lessons and hopefully gain enough experience to fly solo on his 16th birthday. 

Finnegan has been taking lessons at Whitewater Aviation in Harrison since mid-June and has remained resilient and determined to reach his goal. 

Charles turned 16 this past Saturday on September 5. 

He boarded the Cessna Skyhawk all by himself around 10:30 a.m. and flew solo for the first time ever. 

Finnegan encountered an unexpected issue while descending as the front tire was flat, however, he was able to land the plane without any issues. 

Charles is the son of Casey and Kari Finnegan, of Dillsboro, and his grandparents are the late former South Dearborn coach Bob Finnegan and retired Dillsboro Elementary teacher Mary Jo Finnegan.