Captain Barrington Irving, who at 23 became the first black and youngest pilot to fly solo around the world, founded the Barrington Irving Technical Training School in Miami, Florida. He wants to equip future pilots through the school with the knowledge and abilities necessary to succeed in the aviation business, especially those who identify as persons of color.
Irving has established a professional and technical training facility in South Florida for 2022, working with industry and community partners, including NBAA, Miami-Dade County, the Miami-Dade Aviation Department, Atlantic Aviation, and Bombardier along the way.
The aim is to create a varied pool of students with an emphasis on several business aviation disciplines from local, national, and international backgrounds. The center offers cutting-edge courses, innovative teaching methods, and specific technical and professional certificates.
Irving was pleased to announce that fifteen people had graduated from his training program in its inaugural year. Every graduate in the class could find employment in the aviation industry. Irving saw great significance in the event, which took place at Miami’s Opa-Locka Airport—the site of his flying career.
Irving told News 7 Miami, “I am so proud of them and to know where they started from.” “I started at Opa-Locka Airport. These youths are signing with local businesses that pledge to “give you a chance and an opportunity to flourish within our industry,” among other things.
