Kamora Freeland is soaring to new heights, both literally and figuratively. The 17-year-old from Staten Island has made history by becoming the youngest Black female pilot in New York and the youngest overall in the state to earn her private pilot’s license.
Freeland’s journey to becoming a pilot began when her mother enrolled her in a scholarship program with United Youth Aviators, igniting her passion for flying. Initially interested in marine biology, she soon became captivated by aviation, completing her solo flight and cross-country trips with determination. In fact, she recently piloted a flight to Martha’s Vineyard with her mother, marking a milestone in her career. “It’s definitely amazing,” Freeland said of the accomplishment. “I’m a part of the change that’s definitely needed, and I want other little Black girls to do the same.”
Her impressive credentials don’t stop there. Freeland has also taken college-level courses while in high school, earning enough credits to skip her freshman year at the HBCU Spelman College, where she’s now a sophomore. Balancing her studies with her journey as a pilot and aviation career, Freeland describes her college experience as “a whirlwind of emotions—exciting, overwhelming, and liberating all at once.”
Until she started flight training, Freeland didn’t even know that Black pilots existed. It wasn’t until she began attending Black pilot events that she saw others who looked like her in the aviation world. Just a year ago, she earned her wings, allowing her to pilot a single-engine plane with up to 12 passengers.
Freeland’s achievements are breaking barriers. She is proving that young women of color can excel as pilots in the aviation industry. Historically, this field has been underrepresented. Her mission is clear: to inspire other Black girls to follow their dreams, no matter how high they may fly.
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