TURNER – Ronald K. Ames, a lifelong fisherman, and his grandson, Stephen Ames Jr., each successfully piloted a single-engine aircraft in solo flight at Twitchell’s Airport and Seaplane Base recently.

In the 60-year history of Twitchell’s Airport, this is the first time that a grandfather and a grandson achieved the milestone on the same day.

Ronald Ames’ solo flight took place in a j-3 Piper Cub, while his grandson, Stephen, flew solo in a Cessna 152 taildragger.

Both student pilots are under the instruction of Thomas O’Connell, CFI, who finds the situation amazing, as he has been a pilot for 54 years with 47 years as a certified flight instructor and has never witnessed such an occasion.

Ronald and Stephen Ames are lifetime residents of Matinicus Island and St. George.