Page 3 - Appendix A

The 2000s

2017 Black Male SUPT student

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

4% (i.e., I am the only black person in a class of 24)

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

Significantly less than high school, and still noticeably less than college.

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

Initially, I isolated myself due to a feeling that I was the only one who didn’t think and act the
same way as the masses. This hurt me in the first phase of training, but as I grew to know and
trust my classmates enough to be myself, I have found a lot more success.

In your opinion, does it 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. I am currently attending an international pilot training program, and it is very
typical for the internationals, who did not know each other prior to pilot training, to work

together in terms of studying, practicing simulators, and even mission prepping. This aids in
their success, and likely even their sanity and feeling of belonging. I think it’s safe to say that
the feeling of being an outsider is true for black student pilots in a white male-dominated
career field.

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?

In my case, I haven’t had any trouble in this area, but it’s always nice having a few people who
look like you in charge.

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?