Introduction
High school student Kamora Freeland became the youngest Black female to earn a pilot license in New York. ABC News’ Danny New has her story.
At just 17 years old, Kamora Freeland has become one of the youngest licensed Black pilots in the country. The Staten Island teen recently passed the exam for her private pilot’s license. “I have a passion for it, and I love it,” she said.
Introduction
Freeland is a senior at Kingsborough Early College High School.
She previously passed her solo and cross-country flight tests, even taking her mother to Martha’s Vineyard last summer.
“She flew me, and I enjoyed it,” her mom said. “I couldn’t believe that she was the pilot of the plane that I was sitting in the back of.”
Several members of her family gathered to watch Freeland take the test for her private pilot’s license.
“I got up this morning, I couldn’t even hardly walk, but I knew I had to be here,” her grandfather Richard Greene said.
She flew around for about an hour with a designated pilot examiner before touching down and finding out that she passed.
Her family erupted in cheers and tears on the runway.
“I’m a pilot, Dad!” she said as she hugged her father.
Freeland’s flight instructor, who started teaching and flying with her when she was 15 years old, was also there for the big moment.
Freeland is enrolling at Spelman College in the fall. Her next goal is to receive her commercial pilot’s license.
“It’s definitely amazing. I’m a part of the change that’s definitely needed, and I want other little Black girls to do the same,” she said.
