Proud Granny Celebrates First Flight

When Ryan Goddard earned his pilot’s license near his home in British Columbia earlier this year, he knew who would be among his first passengers.

Russ Niles

Wednesday, May 08, 2024 at 02:56 PM ET

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Colleen Goddard, 96, and her grandson Ryan. [YouTube screenshot]

Key Takeaways:

New pilot Ryan Goddard took his 96-year-old grandmother, Colleen Goddard, on her first flight, making her one of his initial passengers.
Colleen's enthusiastic reaction and positive influence, which inspired Ryan to fly, were captured in a video that became a local viral sensation.
The memorable flight took place in British Columbia, with a second flight already planned.

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For 96-year-old Colleen Goddard, there’s no expiration date on enthusiasm, especially when it comes to her grandson Ryan.

So when the younger Goddard earned his pilot’s license near his home in British Columbia, Canada, earlier this year, he knew who would be among his first passengers. The duo slipped the surly bonds together in a Cessna 172 from Campbell River Airport (CYBL), and Ryan’s two-camera video of the flight has become a local viral sensation on Vancouver Island.