Page 26 - Appendix A

So it’s not so much about the demographic as it is about exposure to other demographics,
along with one’s ability to accept people based on demonstrated performance, rather than

preconceived notions (stereotypes). I’ve had great experiences with some White instructors
and crumby experiences with only one Black instructor; I had lousy experiences with at least
two White instructors, but neither of them flew with me regularly.

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?

Okay, everyone—and I mean EVERYone—who grows up in America is socialized in a racially
biased society which affects one’s perspective, IMHO (In my honest opinion). Those who are
aware of the biases can take proactive steps to mitigate the negative impacts, especially in
educational and training environments. The “blissfully ignorant” wreak havoc on the rest of

society, and hopefully, one day educate themselves.

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.

No ACE camps. I asked to join FIT—fourteen hours of flight training-- in college (ROTC) but was
told there were no more pilot slots, so I could not enter Flight Indoctrination Training. At the
time, ROTC also gave each cadet two general aviation lessons, which I took full advantage of
and loved (landed on my first flight, albeit not so well!) During three of the five (or so) years I
applied for a pilot slot while on active duty, I took flying lessons. When I was accepted for

training, I quickly finished up my FAA private pilot license so I would not have to attend Hondo
(in Texas), a program I saw as another opportunity to wash out and I’d heard Black students
had not fared well at Hondo, in what was described to me as a “redneck” environment.

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 think it’s very important, as it was in college, to quickly establish a solid study group. I set up a
six-day work schedule to support my flight training goals, giving myself ½ to a full day off once a
week, but often studying a little even on that day. I will say your spouse or significant other
must be 100% on board with your goal, or you should treat the assignment as a remote tour.

The guy I mentioned earlier had an unsupportive spouse (according to him), and after he
washed out, I would not be surprised if he blamed her in some way. Lastly, I would be sure to
get as much info from recently graduated students and latch onto one or two mentors; I might