Page 29 - Appendix A

where they were insensitive to cultural diversity. These are the types of biases that factor into
SOME instructors making things more difficult for UPT students that didn’t look like them.

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 feel there is a difference, but one’s success, or lack thereof, is determined by how they
approach that difference. I knew about and anticipated this bias and chose to work harder than
everyone else. My goal was to be better than everyone else in every way. I wanted to ensure
the instructors had no choice but to see me as one of the best. I made sure my appearance was
impeccable; my knowledge of the material was second to none, and I would spend hours every
night rehearsing for my flights the following day. I was constantly told not to worry about

studying prior to the start of our formal training. When I arrived on day one, I had much of the
required material already committed to memory. This approach allowed me to finish UPT as
the #1 graduate in my class.

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 had not additional flight training outside of what was provided by the Air Force.

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 personally feel that the Air Force does a better job than most large American employers in
preventing racial bias from rearing its ugly head. Of course, bias still exists, but the career
repercussions are severe enough to keep it to a minimum. My beliefs have always been to face
racism head-on, work harder, be better, and possess higher ethical boundaries. It’s very
difficult to change others, but you can definitely change yourself.

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

1990 Vance AFB, OK

You are enjoying a successful career as a commercial airline pilot. How long have you been in
this career? In your estimation, based on your observations/experiences, have black student
pilots done better in training for the airlines than in the military and if so why do you think
that is?