Page 45 - Appendix A

1985 Black Male SUPT student (Please also see Pete Hargrove Interview)

What would you say was the percentage of blacks was in your pilot training class?
8/57........ 14%

Describe how the number of minorities in your pilot training environment compared to your
high school, college and home environment (growing up).
100% black at home (neighborhood) 100% black high school (until last 2 years 60%/40%)

No comparison for home & high school (90% & 65% blk, respectively). Pilot training was like
USAFA, BUT WORSE NUMBERS. To clarify, the percentages of blacks in pilot training was much
SMALLER than percentages of USAFA. WE were lean at USAFA, & LEANER on the pilot side. I
graduated in the Class of ’84:

Class of 84..........1003 grads

Class of 84..........18 black Pilots

Class of 84..........3 black Fighter Pilots (I’m the only 1 of the 3 still alive )

If there was a significant difference describe what impact it had (if any) on your success in
training and why?
I was already used to "small numbers" around me because of the courses I took in school for
future college choices. Doesn't mean I was blind to the real world (we'll chat).

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?
IT CAN MAKE A HELL OF A DIFFERENCE IF YOU'RE OUT THERE FEELING ALONE, DIFFERENT, &
FEELING THAT THERE'S NO ONE TO LEAN ON (Mentorship somewhat nonexistent)

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?
See Above ...... we'll chat.

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?
Just like life...... yes, a difference exists. I'll share my FAIP (& other experiences) asap.