Youngest black female pilot in New York receives pilot’s license

Seventeen-year-old Kamora Freeland has etched her name in history by becoming the youngest African American female to obtain a private pilot’s license in New York state.

Expressing her elation, Freeland remarked, “I feel amazing — it hasn’t really sunk in yet, but I feel like in a few days, I’m going to process everything.”

Freeland’s journey to this milestone began in 2022 when she was awarded a scholarship, igniting her passion for aviation. She commenced her flying lessons at Republic Airport on Long Island, a commitment that saw her driving two hours multiple times a week from Staten Island, where she attends Kingsboro Early College Secondary School, accompanied by her mother.

Despite her demanding schedule, Freeland’s determination remained steadfast. She even scheduled her pilot’s license test to coincide with her 17th birthday, foregoing traditional celebrations to pursue her aviation dreams.

Her relentless dedication paid off as she successfully acquired her private pilot’s license before her driver’s license, exemplifying her unwavering focus on her aviation aspirations.

Reflecting on the challenges she faced during the test, Freeland recalled the nerve-wracking experience exacerbated by weather conditions that caused delays. However, her resilience shone through as she overcame the obstacles, showcasing her unwavering commitment to her goals.

Looking ahead, Freeland aspires to fly for a commercial airline, driven by the belief that “the sky is not the limit.” Despite her remarkable achievement, she remains grounded, expressing eagerness to relax and catch up on sleep before pursuing further studies in economics at college.

Freeland’s remarkable journey serves as an inspiration and a testament to the power of determination and perseverance in realizing one’s dreams, particularly in traditionally male-dominated fields such as aviation.