The first black woman to fly in the U.S. Air Force retires as a United Airlines pilot

Capt. Theresa Claiborne, a pioneering pilot who became the first African American woman to fly in the U.S. Air Force, celebrated her departure from United Airlines on May 23 with a final flight.

Claiborne’s nearly 43-year aviation profession got here full circle when she landed on a United 787 Dreamliner in Newark, New Jersey, after a trip from Lisbon, Portugal. CNN reported that upon arrival, the pilot received a symbolic salute from water cannons how she celebrated along with her family members. Reflecting on this modification, Claiborne noted, “After I walk through the airport, I won’t be wearing my uniform… People will just look at me like I’m a regular passenger like everyone else; This will be a little different.”

The Virginia native’s passion for flying took root at the age of seven, after her first flight. She joined the Air Force Reserve Office’s Training Forces in college, solidifying her path after experiencing the thrill of piloting a T-37 training jet. “When I first got the taste of being in the air and commanding a plane, I thought, ‘Yes, that’s what I’m going to do,’” she said. After obtaining her pilot’s license just a few months after graduating from California State University, Sacramento, Claiborne commissioned as a second lieutenant.

The pioneering aviator broke barriers in 1981 as the first black woman to fly in the United States Air Force. “It still gives me chills to think that I was first,” Claiborne said. She achieved further success as the first black female pilot in command and instructor of the KC-135 refueling jet.

Claiborne joined United Airlines in 1990 as a flight officer before being promoted to captain.

About her long-time employer, she stated that she feels honored to work as a pilot for this airline. She acknowledged that as considered one of fewer than 150 black female pilots in the U.S., she carries an unlimited responsibility. The completed aviator is the current president of Sisters of the Skies, a nationally recognized nonprofit organization that BLACK ENTERPRISES the issue of allowing black women to turn out to be pilots was previously highlighted. According to the organization, a team of experienced pilots works to increase the variety of black women pilots in each military and industrial aviation. CNN noted that Claiborne would step down from her position at Sisters of the Skies, but vowed to proceed mentoring. “Continue to impart this knowledge to young people, especially young black women, so they can do this,” Claiborne said, looking to the future.

Her future plans include becoming a author and dreaming of someday piloting a historic World War II plane or the legendary Red Tail Tuskegee Airmen.