Senator Katie Britt Champions Federal Funding for Tuskegee University's Aviation Program
Tuskegee University recently celebrated 13 student pilots who earned Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) ratings, continuing the legacy of the historic Tuskegee Airmen. U.S. Senator Katie Britt played a significant role in this achievement by championing over $12 million in federal support for the program. This funding ensures that students have access to flight training at no cost. The ceremony, held at the General Daniel “Chappie” James Museum, honored students who achieved various FAA certifications, including Private Pilot Licenses, Instrument Ratings, and Commercial Pilot Licenses. Notably, all honored students passed their tests on the first attempt. The program, offered through the Aerospace Science Engineering Department, aims to prepare a new generation of pilots, addressing the underrepresentation of Black individuals in commercial aviation, where only 4.4% of pilots are Black and 0.5% are Black women.