LISBON, PORTUGAL - AUGUST 14: Ryanair Boeing 737-8AS flies over the Tagus River on her way to land in Humberto Delgado International Airport on August 14, 2022 in Lisbon, Portugal. The city's airport has returned to normal after the forced inactivity due to the COVID-19 Coronavirus pandemic, and large numbers of travelers meant delays and recriminations from the government to SEF and ANA, in charge of handling departing and arriving passengers. INE attributes to the strong recovery dynamics in tourism an important part of the country's economic growth. Compared to the first quarter of 2021 -when Portugal was practically paralyzed by the pandemic-, domestic demand increased by 9.8%, exports by 18.3%, and imports by 13.1%. Portugal's economy grew 2.6% in the first quarter compared to the last one of 2021 -and 11.9% compared to the same period of the previous year-, thanks to the end of COVID-19 Coronavirus restrictions and a strong growth in private consumption. (Photo by Horacio Villalobos#Corbis/Corbis via Getty Images)
There is no age limit to achieving your dreams! No matter how big or small, you are the master of your destiny! When it comes to changing the face of pilots, 17-year-old high school student Christopher Ballinger is doing that. He is among the youngest Black pilots in the country, thanks to an Air Force JROTC Flight Academy Program.
According to Fox 5, Chris confirmed he’s licensed to fly any single-engine land plane, which is the first step in becoming a pilot. Christopher participated in an eight-week Flight Academy program at Walla Walla University in Washington State. According to the university’s website, they offer three aviation degree options. In the program, students will learn how to fly, operate safely, and interact in the world of professional aviation.
In addition, students will be at the controls and learn firsthand the challenges and rewards of operating aircraft. Christopher, a rising senior at Sidwell Friends School, has a bright future. The teen plans to apply to the Air Force Academy after graduation. He offered some advice for younger students interested in following in his footsteps, saying to keep an open mind about all opportunities that present themselves!
Black people in the airline industry have been all over the news lately. As we previously reported, an American Airlines flight recently made history while celebrating the 100th anniversary of Bessie Coleman, the first African American woman to earn a pilot’s license. For the first time in the airline carrier’s 96-year existence, everyone involved, from the ramp to the gate, the cockpit, and the cabin, were all Black women!
The great-niece of Bessie Coleman, Gigi Coleman, spoke about her aunt’s legacy explaining, “My great-aunt received her license two years before Amelia Earhart. She wasn’t in the history books. No one knew about her.”
Well, everyone knows about Bessie now!
Roommates never stop dreaming and reaching for the stars!
