Captain Barrington Irving, who made history as the first Black and youngest pilot to fly solo around the world when he was 23 years old, has founded the Barrington Irving Technical Training School in Miami, Florida. Through the school, he aims to empower aspiring pilots, particularly people of color, with the skills needed for success in the aviation industry.

Teaming up with industry and community partners such as NBAA, Miami-Dade County, Miami-Dade Aviation Department, Atlantic Aviation, and Bombardier, Irving has launched a professional and technical training center in South Florida in 2022.

The goal is to create a diverse pool of students from local, national, and international backgrounds, focusing on various business aviation disciplines. The center promises innovative programs, training approaches, and specialized technical and professional certifications.

In its first year, Irving proudly celebrated the graduation of 15 individuals who successfully completed his training program. Each of the students in the graduating class also secured jobs in the aviation sector. The ceremony, held at Opa-locka Airport in Miami, marked a significant moment for Irving, as it’s where he began his own aviation journey.

“I am so proud of them, and to know what they started from,” Irving told News 7 Miami. “Opa-locka Airport is where I got my start. These young people are signing with various companies in the community who said, you know what, ‘We’re going to give you a chance, we’re going to give you an opportunity to flourish within our industry.'”