Recent data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics show that African-Americans account for only 3 percent of commercial pilots in the United States, 7 percent are Hispanic or Latino and approximately 4 percent identify as Asian.
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In a field that is heavily dominated by white males, black pilots Jerome Stanislaus and Courtland Savage are trying to change the
The goal of the nonprofit is to promote diversity and inclusion within aviation. Both Stanislaus and Savage use their free time to provide free-of-charge introductory flights to children, teens, and young adults who want to explore their interest in flying.
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Participants have the chance to experience a general aviation flight with a licensed pilot in a Cessna 172 or similar aircraft, according to the nonprofit’s website.
Savage told CNN that the idea behind Fly For The Culture was to show the African-American community that there is a path to high paying jobs in the aviation industry, especially as the demand for travel continues and a shortage of pilots.
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“I just want to use this nonprofit to get that idea out there,” Savage said.
Stanislaus, who started flights last year, estimates that he has introduced approximately 30 young people to flying.
“I love it, I really do,” Stanislaus said in an interview with CBS News. “I really want to be able to make a difference and this is how I do it, it’s like my purpose.”
Each ride costs the nonprofit about $150 an hour for the cost of renting the airplane.