Tuskegee University is breaking new ground again, becoming the only HBCU in Alabama to offer an aviation program for students seeking to become certified pilots. Previously, aspiring aviators trained under the university’s aerospace engineering program while completing necessary certifications. This new dedicated program is an expansion that reflects Tuskegee’s commitment to addressing the nation’s growing demand for pilots.
Provost and Senior Vice President of Academic Affairs said, “We have responded to the demand for pilots. There are more than 10,000 to 15,000 pilots that are needed here in the U.S.”
This is a monumental moment for the university and the state of Alabama. The program honors the legacy of the Tuskegee Airmen, the first African American pilots to serve in the U.S. military during World War II. These figures, including the first Black commander of an Air Force fighter squadron, set the stage for future generations of Black aviators. Now, students like Tuskegee University Air Force ROTC sophomore Hannah Heaston are continuing their legacy.
“It’s like a roller coaster on steroids,” Heaston said of flying. “It’s very fun. It’s very relaxing. Once you get in the air, it’s very peaceful.”
Students in the new aviation program will also train at Moton Field, the very same grounds where the Tuskegee Airmen made history. Tuskegee University is also expanding the program through partnerships with local high schools, introducing aviation-focused career pathways to students early on.
Applications for the program’s first cohort are due by Wednesday, Oct. 30. This expansion is timely, as a 2022 study by Data USA revealed that only 2.59% of pilots are Black, compared to a staggering 87.1% who are white. Tuskegee’s aviation program not only meets a critical industry need but also contributes to much-needed diversity in the field.
With this aviation program, Tuskegee University continues to soar to new heights, ensuring that the legacy of the Tuskegee Airmen lives on in a new generation of Black pilots.
