A Historic Achievement: Tuskegee Student Earns Pilot License After 80 Years
Isaiah Hand, a 20-year-old Aviation Science major at Tuskegee University, made history in August 2025. He became the first student in nearly 80 years to earn a private pilot certificate at the legendary Moton Field. Hand’s achievement marks a significant milestone for the university’s newly relaunched four-year Aviation Science Degree Program, which received $6.7 million in federal funding from Alabama Senator Katie Britt.
“There is no other feeling like it,” Hand said about earning his license at the same field where the famous Tuskegee Airmen trained during World War II. The Florida native and first-generation college student dedicated his summer to flight training, skipping vacation to focus on his goal. He is now working toward his instrument rating, followed by commercial pilot and multi-engine certifications.
The program, which partnered with Republic Airways’ Leadership In Flight Training Academy, currently has almost 50 students enrolled and continues to grow in popularity. “This is exactly the kind of impact we want to have on our students,” said Tuskegee President Mark Brown. “One only has to look into his eyes to be clear about our purpose.”
Source: https://generalaviationnews.com/2025/09/23/tuskegee-airmen-fly-into-the-21st-century/