[Congressional Bills 110th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H. Res. 661 Engrossed in House (EH)]


                In the House of Representatives, U. S.,

                                                     December 11, 2007.
Whereas Barrington Irving was born in 1983 in Kingston, Jamaica, and raised in 
        inner-city Miami, Florida;
Whereas Irving discovered his passion for aviation at the age of 15 when Captain 
        Gary Robinson, a Jamaican airline pilot who has since served as his 
        mentor, took him to tour the cockpit of a Boeing 777;
Whereas Irving overcame financial hardship to pursue his dream to become a pilot 
        by working miscellaneous jobs and working for private aircraft owners in 
        exchange for flying lessons;
Whereas Irving was the recipient of a joint Air Force/Florida Memorial 
        University Flight Awareness Scholarship to cover college tuition and 
        flying lessons for his tireless volunteer efforts and commitment to 
        community service;
Whereas in 2003, Irving contacted companies including aircraft manufacturer 
        Columbia, which agreed to provide him with a plane to fly around the 
        world if he could secure donations and components;
Whereas over several years, Irving visited aviation trade shows throughout the 
        country and secured more than $300,000 of cash and donated components 
        including the engine, tires, cockpit systems, and seats for a Columbia 
        400, one of the world's fastest single-engine piston airplanes;
Whereas in the process of pursuing his dream of an around the world flight, 
        Irving founded a nonprofit organization in 2005 to address the 
        significant shortage of youth pursuing careers in aviation and 
        aerospace;
Whereas Irving's efforts have garnered widespread community support and 
        sponsorship as an effective model to expose young people and 
        underrepresented groups to opportunities in aviation;
Whereas on March 23, 2007, Irving embarked from Miami, Florida, on a 24,600-mile 
        flight around the world in an airplane named ``Inspiration'' at 23-years 
        of age while still a senior majoring in aerospace at Florida Memorial 
        University;
Whereas on June 27, 2007, Irving concluded his flight in Miami, Florida, after 
        stopping in 27 cities throughout the world; and
Whereas Irving continues to inspire youth and adults alike with his achievements 
        and work to increase the accessibility of opportunities in aviation and 
        aerospace: Now, therefore, be it
    Resolved, That the House of Representatives--
            (1) honors the accomplishments of Barrington Irving, the youngest 
        pilot and first person of African descent ever to fly solo around the 
        world and founder of a nonprofit organization that inspires youth to 
        pursue careers in aviation and aerospace;
            (2) encourages young people and minorities to pursue educational 
        opportunities in preparation for careers in aviation and related 
        industries; and
            (3) encourages museums throughout the Nation related to aviation to 
        commemorate the historic achievements of Captain Barrington Irving.
            Attest:

                                                                          Clerk.