Barrington Irving, the first Black and youngest pilot to fly solo around the world at age 23, established the Barrington Irving Technical Training School in Miami, Florida. Through the school, he hopes to provide prospective pilots, particularly those of color, with the tools they need to succeed in the business.
Irving has announced the opening of a professional and technical training center in South Florida in 2022, in collaboration with industry and community partners including the NBAA, Miami-Dade County, Miami-Dade Aviation Department, Atlantic Aviation, and Bombardier.
The purpose is to develop a diversified pool of students from local, national, and international origins, with an emphasis on various business aviation disciplines. The center promises unique programs, training methods, and specific technical and professional certificates.
Irving was thrilled to graduate 15 people from his training program in its first year. Each of the graduating students has also acquired employment in the aviation sector. The ceremony, which took place at Miami’s Opa-locka Airport, was significant for Irving since it signified the beginning of his own aviation odyssey.
“I am so proud of them, and to know what they started from,” Irving told News 7 Miami. “Opa-locka Airport is where I got my start. These young people are signing with various companies in the community who said, you know what, ‘We’re going to give you a chance, we’re going to give you an opportunity to flourish within our industry.'”