Soaring new heights as Longford teen does first solo flight in Abbeyshrule

A proud day unfolded at Abbeyshrule Aerodrome on Thursday, August 14, as 17-year-old Hannah O’Sullivan marked a major aviation milestone by completing her first solo flight with Ormand Flying Club based in Abbeyshrule.

Hannah attends Mercy Convent Ballymahon, and has two older siblings: a sister called Molly and a brother called Jack. 

From Abbeyshrule, Hannah has always shown interest in becoming a commercial pilot. She and her father, Dave O'Sullivan, went to an open day in Abbeyshrule Aerodrome where she went on a discovery flight with Dave Bruton and signed up for lessons that day.

Throughout the summer, she has been working at the airfield and has a love for the mechanical/maintenance aspect of the aviation industry.

Hannah, who began her flying journey in December 2024, has been training diligently toward her Private Pilot Licence (PPL). Under the guidance of instructors Adrian Rice (Chief Flying Instructor) and Chris McDonnell (Chief Flying Instructor), she first performed five circuits with her instructor to ensure both safety and confidence. Moments later, she was cleared to go solo — completing two flawless circuits on her own, to the delight of family, friends, and fellow club members who gathered to watch from the ground.

Read more: Congratulating local Longford man who is U80kg World Champion for 2025

“This is one of the most special days in any pilot’s career,” said instructor Adrian Rice. “The first solo is not just about skill, but about confidence, responsibility, and trust. Hannah showed all of these today.”

The solo flight also reflects the strong training and safety culture fostered by both Ormand Flying Club in Birr and Abbeyshrule, who together continue to inspire and support Ireland’s next generation of aviators.

Adding to the excitement, Ormand Flying Club at Abbeyshrule has announced the upcoming launch of a dedicated Aerobatic Training School at Abbeyshrule Aerodrome led by experienced aerobatic pilot Dave Bruton . This new programme will give students the chance to advance their flying skills beyond the basics, experiencing the thrill of aerobatics under expert instruction.

Read more: Longford Marathon to get underway but with some road closures

The celebrations continued the very next day, when 18-year-old Charlie Flanagan, hailing from Longford, also completed his first solo flight. Charlie, the grandson of Eugene McGinnity — of Longford Providers, a passionate aviation enthusiast — carried forward his family’s strong connection to flying. His success further underlines the depth of local aviation passion in the Midlands.

In the future, Hannah hopes to get an apprenticeship as an aviation mechanic once she completes her Leaving Certificate. 

Hannah’s milestone was proudly shared online, capturing the joy of the day: Hannah’s First Solo Flight on Instagram.