Ryan Garner, a 17-year-old from North Carolina, has etched his name in aviation history.
He recently became the first and youngest Black pilot to receive his license at Concord’s Goose Creek Airport. This achievement also makes him the youngest Black pilot in North Carolina’s history.
Trailblazing Teen: Ryan Garner’s Journey to Becoming a Pilot
Initially, Garner wasn’t set on becoming a pilot. His original goal was to work as a ground crew member. However, a conversation with a Delta Airlines pilot changed his trajectory. This interaction opened his eyes to the possibilities in aviation.
Garner shared his experience with WSOC-TV, saying, “I actually never wanted to be a pilot at first. I wanted to be a grounds crew member that would bring in the planes or marshal them in. I got to talking with a Delta pilot about flight school, and that’s how I got into it.”
City of Concord Honors Young Aviation Pioneer
The City of Concord recognized Garner’s groundbreaking achievement during the week of July 12. Mayor Dusch presented an official proclamation to honor the young pilot’s accomplishment. This public acknowledgment underscores the significance of Garner’s feat in the local community.
Garner’s mother, Melissa Dixon, expressed immense pride in her son’s achievement. She told WCNC, “He’s the footprint … he is actually the footprint to future generations to come and say it’s possible.”
From Dream to Reality: Garner’s Aspirations in Aviation
Garner’s passion for aviation has been a lifelong affair. He shared with WCNC, “I have always loved it (aviation) since I was a kid… It’s a little adrenaline rush coming into the plane.”
His ultimate goal is to become a pilot for a major airline. With his current achievement, Garner is well on his way to realizing this dream. He stated, “I want to take it to the majors and go to the airlines.”
Diversity in Aviation: A Growing Trend
Garner’s achievement comes at a time when the aviation industry is pushing for greater diversity. Major airlines like United, Delta, and Southwest have implemented programs to diversify their pilot pool.
These initiatives aim to address the current imbalance in the profession, where 90% of pilots are white men.
Eileen Bjorkman, a retired Air Force colonel and author, highlighted the success of these programs in a 2023 Chicago Sun-Times op-ed. She noted that United Airlines’ Unite Aviate program saw its first graduating class comprise 80% women or minorities.
Breaking Barriers: The Impact of Garner’s Achievement
Garner’s accomplishment is more than a personal milestone. It serves as an inspiration for aspiring pilots from underrepresented communities. His mother believes this achievement will pave the way for future generations.
Dixon expressed her confidence in her son’s abilities, stating, “I trust his ability. I trust what he’s capable, actually, of doing. So yes, I am willing to go up and get that experience and actually just see life on a different level.”
