‘The sky is literally the limit’:100 Black Men of Greater Florida Gainesville Aviation Academy soars to new heights

GAINESVILLE, Fla. (WCJB) -100 Black Men of Greater Florida Gainesville held their 6th annual Aviation Academy and participants say it did not disappoint.

“My favorite part was flying the planes,” Regan Hollinger, a student shared. “The experience of being able to fly over the Gator stadium and over people’s houses, over the interstate, over lakes, it was just an amazing experience and I love being in the air.”

Students started the two-day camp at the Kika Silva Planetarium at Santa Fe college and ended it with a visit to Gainesville Regional Airport’s University Flight School.

“We have individuals that are members of the 100 that are pilots,” Ray McKnight, the President of 100 Black Men Greater Florida Gainesville commented. “They’re taking the kids up in the aircraft some of the kids are even getting the opportunity to fly the plane.”

The future pilots learned about helicopters, military aircraft, drones, and more.

Myla Chilongo, a high school participant says though the name of the organization may be misleading, everyone is welcome to reap the benefits.

“Even though this is for the 100 black men I think that it’s important that this organization and aviation thing is co-ed because it allows black women to think outside the box,” she shared.

Students also enjoyed a catered lunch, a DJ, and a raffle contest.

Officials with University Flight School say in the future, they hope to see the kids enroll with them and take flight as professionals.

Click here to subscribe to our newsletter.

Copyright 2024 WCJB. All rights reserved.