17-Year Old Becomes Licensed Pilot Before Graduating High School

In a remarkable story of determination and passion, 17-year-old William Moore Jr. has made history by becoming a licensed private pilot before even graduating from high school. This achievement places him among the small percentage of minority pilots in the United States, a demographic that remains significantly underrepresented in the aviation industry.

William‘s aviation journey began at an early age, sparked by a childhood fascination with airplanes flying over his home near Andrews Air Force Base in Upper Marlboro, Maryland. His first significant exposure to aviation came in September 2009, when he attended an airshow and experienced his first Discovery Flight in Gaithersburg, Maryland. From that moment, his interest in flying took a firm hold.

“Once the aviation bug bites you, it doesn’t let you go,” Moore recalled, reflecting on his early experiences that fueled his ambition to become a pilot.

His formal training began through programs like the Organization of Black Aerospace Professionals (OBAP) Aerospace Career Education (ACE) Academy. This program, endorsed by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), provides middle and high school students with exposure to aerospace and aviation careers through intensive summer camps. Over the past three years, Moore attended the OBAP ACE Academy in Northern Virginia, which laid the foundation for his future achievements.

Moore’s determination and hard work paid off when he secured a scholarship from the East Coast Chapter, Tuskegee Airmen, Inc. (ECCTAI) Youth in Aviation Program (YIAP). This program helped cover many of his dual flight instruction hours, and he excelled in ground school, finishing in the top 5% of his class. Over the summer, he trained at Potomac Airfield through HJ Aviation, LLC, a school named after original Tuskegee Airman Herbert H. Jones Jr., whom Moore had the honor of meeting.

His journey to becoming a licensed pilot was marked by several significant milestones. He began his first flight lesson on April 28, 2019, completed his first solo flight on June 28, 2019, and achieved his private pilot’s license on his 17th birthday, October 15, 2019. This milestone made him one of the youngest licensed pilots in the country.

To celebrate his achievement, Moore hosted his parents for dinner at Katie’s At the Airport restaurant in Cambridge, Maryland, after passing his private pilot checkride. The successful flight with his parents provided the reassurance they needed about their son’s skills and dedication.

In addition to his personal accomplishments, Moore has become a role model and mentor for other aspiring pilots. He spoke with children at the 2022 BWI Youth Initiative Program, held at Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport, where he encouraged young minds to explore careers in aviation. His story serves as a powerful example of what can be achieved with passion and perseverance.

Currently, Moore is working towards obtaining his instrument rating, which will allow him to fly in inclement weather and eventually qualify as a commercial pilot and flight instructor. He is also employed by Signature Flight Support as a line technician, where he performs routine maintenance on aircraft and trains new hires.

Moore’s future goals are ambitious. He aspires to become a commercial airline pilot or a cargo pilot and is also considering serving his country as a military pilot flying C-5, C-17, or C-130 aircraft. His achievements have not only paved the way for his own career but also highlight the need for greater diversity in the aviation industry. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, less than 3% of U.S. commercial pilots are African American.

William Moore Jr.’s story is a testament to the power of setting goals and pursuing them with unwavering dedication. His journey from a young boy fascinated by planes to a licensed pilot before high school graduation is an inspiration to many. As he continues to soar to new heights, Moore is committed to giving back and inspiring the next generation of aviators.

“If you have a gut feeling about aviation, just do it. Honestly, if you have a gut feeling about anything, do it,” Moore advises aspiring pilots.

With his achievements and ambitions, William Moore Jr. is not just a young pilot but a trailblazer, paving the way for future generations to take flight and reach for the skies.

Muhammad Kaumi Bashir, an 11-year-old from Borno State, Nigeria, has made headlines with his groundbreaking invention of a mini power generator that operates without fuel. Currently a first-year student at Al-Ansar Academy, Muhammad’s innovation marks a significant step towards addressing the persistent power issues in his hometown of Maiduguri, which has experienced severe electricity problems for over two years.

From the tender age of five, Muhammad displayed a remarkable talent for electronic and mechanical fabrication. His mother, Mallama Yakaka Kaumi, recalls her son’s early fascination with inventing and repairing electronic devices. “His life has so far been about inventing and repairing electronic appliances,” she shared. Muhammad’s passion for electronics has only grown, with a clear ambition to become a renowned electrical engineer and solve Nigeria’s ongoing power crisis.

Motivated by the frequent power outages in Maiduguri and his family’s inability to afford solar power, Muhammad decided to create an alternative solution. Using everyday materials, including two capacitors, a wire, light bulbs, and a fan metal hook, he successfully fabricated a mini-generator capable of powering household light bulbs. This invention not only demonstrates his ingenuity but also his determination to bring light to his home and community.

Muhammad’s mini-generator is more than just a solution to his family’s immediate needs; it is a symbol of his larger aspirations. He dreams of establishing a significant electrical engineering firm that can address Nigeria’s widespread power issues. “I want to be a renowned electrical engineer known across the world. I am passionate about setting up a big electrical engineering firm and using it to solve the country’s power crisis,” Muhammad stated. Click here to continue reading about Muhammad Bashir.

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