[Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 46 (Thursday, March 15, 2018)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E326]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




              HONORING THE AIROLINA YOUNG AVIATORS PROGRAM

                                  _____
                                 

                          HON. DAVID E. PRICE

                           of north carolina

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, March 15, 2018

  Mr. PRICE of North Carolina. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize 
and commend the accomplishments of the Airolina Young Aviators (AYA) 
Program of Durham, North Carolina.
  Established in 2016, AYA provides opportunities for high school 
students--often from disadvantaged communities--to receive professional 
introductory flight training and mentorship, engaging them in STEM 
education projects and offers classes and preparing them for flight 
examinations and pilot licenses. These credentials, enriched by the 
guidance of AYA mentors, equip students with valuable experience, 
achievements, skills, and references as they begin to apply to jobs, 
colleges, and aviation university programs.
  The AYA program was founded by Captain Warren Wheeler, a Durham 
native who established the first African American-owned and -operated 
air service in the United States. An entrepreneur, aviator, and 
businessman, Warren paved the way for African Americans and others who 
wished to pursue careers in the field of aviation. In 1979, he became 
the first airline owner to use government employment training programs 
such as the federal Comprehensive Employment Training Act to train 
unemployed and low-income people of color who sought careers in the 
airline industry. In addition to providing his students with practical 
instruction, Wheeler served as their employment negotiator with 
regional and national carriers to help advance their careers.
  Captain Warren continued his mission to expand and support the number 
of certified minority pilots by establishing AYA as part of Airolina 
Flight & Music Support, a non-profit organization based in Durham, just 
two years ago. Through Warren's visionary leadership and the work of 
dedicated board members and volunteers, AYA currently supports twenty-
two students attending flight simulation training, five students 
presently flying, and two who will take their flight tests to qualify 
for their pilot's licenses within the next few months.
  On behalf of the people of the Fourth Congressional District of North 
Carolina, I applaud the work of the Airolina Young Aviators Program for 
empowering young members of our community and helping move the Research 
Triangle toward a future in which all our students can pursue and 
achieve their dreams. For these students, the sky truly is the limit.

                          ____________________