The legacy of the Tuskegee Airmen, the first Black military aviators in the U.S. Army Air Corps, is being honored by the opening of the RedTail Flight Academy (RFA) at the New York Stewart International Airport. RFA partnered with world-class private aviation company Wheels Up Experience Inc. to provide mentorship, internships, roundtables, and lectures in the aviation space.
The state-of-the-art facility serves to develop talent between the ages of 18-21 from underserved communities with a goal to increase the number of aviators that represent people of color from 2.5% to 4% over the next decade.
“We’re thrilled to finally be able to welcome students to the RedTail Flight Academy to help diversify the aviation industry and perpetuate the values of leadership, courage, and perseverance of the original airmen,” said Glen Fraser, Director of Lee A. Archer Jr. Red Tail Youth Flying Program. “The opportunity for our graduates to gain firsthand experience through Internships at such a great company ensures they continue to learn aviation skills from industry leaders.”
Sponsored by the New York-based chapter of Tuskegee Airmen Inc., RFA will offer a 10-month program that will prepare cadets to obtain a commercial pilot license and instrument rating specializing in operating FAA Approved 14 CFR Part 141 multi-engine aviation.
Formed in 1941, the Tuskegee Airmen, also known as the Red Tails or Red-Tail Angels, trained for aerial combat to fight in World War II. At the opening ceremony on Thursday (Sept. 10), the first set of inaugural cadets, four males and three females, were welcomed by original Tuskegee Airmen Lieutenant Colonel Enoch Woodhouse.
“We’re honored to be the first part 135 provider to partner with the RedTail Flight Academy to help support the next generation of aviation talent,” said Lieutenant General Thomas W. Bergeson, Chief Operating Officer at Wheels Up. “By offering two internships every year to academy graduates, we’re committing to diversifying our employee base and offering positions to underserved communities.”
