Gwinnett County, in Atlanta, Georgia, officially has its first Black-owned flight school, joining a nationwide effort to increase the number of minority pilots. Look Up Flight Academy, owned by Mike Ojo, is a much-needed opportunity for aspiring minority aviators. As a successful pilot in his own right, Mike Ojo has always felt a deep connection to the air. However, he did have some reservations on his way to the skies.
“I always thought it wasn’t for me because I never saw anyone who looked like me in a pilot uniform,” Ojo expressed during an interview with WSB-TV’s Gwinnett County Bureau Chief Matt Johnson. His experiences reflect a larger issue within the industry. Minority pilots currently make up only about 3% of the total aviation workforce.
The School’s Vision and Impact
With Ojo’s dedication to expanding minority access to aviation, the Look Up Flight Academy is a vanguard of progressive change. The Gwinnett County airport, recognizing the significance of this initiative, approved a 25-year lease for the academy. The school will open its doors by summer. This launch will follow the renovation of a vacant building and hangar at Briscoe Field, creating a conducive learning environment for students.
In addition, there is more to Look Up Flight Academy than just training. The goal is to provide minorities with a voice and a long-term plan for success in the aviation industry. Beyond representation, Ojo aims to increase the number of diverse, talented pilots in the business.
“We’re actually helping folks build a future because that is the goal, to not just get more minorities in but actually have a career as a pilot,” said Ojo.
The establishment of Look Up Flight Academy is a much-needed call to action. There is a pressing need to recognize and address diversity gaps in numerous communities and businesses. For more information about Look Up Flight Academy and its upcoming events, visit the school’s website.