Page 13 - Appendix A

2001 Black Male SUPT Student

What would you say was the percentage of blacks was in your training class?

4%

Describe how the number of minorities in your pilot training environment compared to your
high school, college and home environment (growing up).

I was the only minority in my pilot training class. This was in stark contrast to my High School
which consisted of 96% minority (Tuskegee Institute High School), and my college University of
Alabama, maintained near 12% minority population.

If there was a significant difference describe what impact it had (if any) on your success in
training and why?

No significant difference

In your opinion, does make a difference, regarding your success, how many other black pilots
are going through training at the same time as you? Why or why not?

I believe it does, as there appears to be a “standard” the courses are attempting to maintain. A
quota if you will. I noticed the minorities (Blacks) in the classes although starting at the same
time, were spaced out accordingly in the classes to facilitate what appeared to be each class
having at least one. This did affect how we perceived and received training believing we had to
measure up to a higher standard.

In your opinion, does it make a difference what the racial demographic of your training cadre
or leadership team is? Why or why not? Please share any specific examples from your
experience?

Yes, it does matter the racial demographic. Simply put, background history and a relative
understanding of the perceived struggle within the community and the biases needed to
overcome. As class leader, I did not personally experience any of this, however, friends in
classes ahead and behind, would speak of a lack of understanding from cadre.

In your opinion, or based on your experience, is there a difference for a black person going
through pilot training compared to a white person? If so, do you feel that the difference
positively or negatively impacts the success of black student pilots?

There is a difference. The cognitive perception is black students are not familiar with aviation
and require more explanation of the material. It negatively impacted from day 1, as the
instructors believed their bias, and this affected their perception of the student during the