Page 18 - Appendix A

black pilots in the class ahead of mine, and whenever I’d run into them, we’d swap stories
about certain biases. These conversations helped me not to feel totally isolated.

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? When I went through pilot training, there was only one black pilot instructor, and
he was on the T-38 side. After track select, I went T-1s, so I saw the guy around but never had
any meaningful conversation with him. Examples to model yourself after are always beneficial.
It wasn’t until I was on my first deployment that I ever saw another black female pilot. I only
met a total of 3 other black female pilots during my entire career. For some perspective, I
spent just under 10 years on active duty before transferring to the reserves. I currently have 20
years of service.

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?

I don’t think it makes a difference in the procedures you need to learn but I will say it makes a
big difference socially. Cliques tend to form and the white students, since there’s more of
them, are sharing information with each other to get ahead in the program. Being a woman
and being black, you’re always kind of the odd man out.

Describe/detail the flight training you had (if any) before Air Force flight training (ACE camps,
Young Eagles incentive flights, ground school, etc. and describe how it may have impacted
your success in Air Force flight training.

I got enough private time in a Cessna to solo prior to UPT and at the Air Force Academy. I went

through the T-3 flight screening program.

Sharing your experiences/thoughts. Please use this section to share any experiences or
thoughts on this topic from your experiences, the experiences of others, etc. that you feel are
relevant to the of the experience of black student pilots in Air Force pilot training.

I wish I could think of more, but it’s been so long. It seems like another lifetime ago.

What year did you complete your training and at what location?

Graduated in 1998 from Laughlin AFB, TX.