HBCU News: At 20, Student Makes History as the First Pilot License Holder from Tuskegee University in Eight Decades

In an impressive milestone, Tuskegee University has awarded its first new pilot license in nearly 80 years. Isaiah Hand, a 20-year-old and first-generation college student from Florida, achieved his private pilot's license through the newly revitalized aviation science degree program, which received $6.7 million in federal funding and resumed operations in 2024. This university holds historical significance as the training ground for the iconic Tuskegee Airmen, the first Black pilots in the U.S. military during World War II.Hand expressed, “There is no other feeling like it,” noting his dedication to training during his summer break. Aspiring to secure additional certifications and a commercial pilot's license, he embodies the university's vision. President Mark Brown remarked on the profound impact such achievements have on students. Currently, 16 students are also pursuing certifications, aiming for careers in aviation, engineering, and meteorology. The Tuskegee Airmen, who served from 1941 to 1946, were trailblazers, recognized as one of the most decorated units of their time. (Photo: Tuskegee University)