We Can

Captain Barrington Irving has achieved a groundbreaking series of feats in aviation, but his accomplishments go far beyond his personal journey. As the first Black pilot and youngest person ever to fly solo around the world, Irving’s extraordinary achievement in 2007 at just 23 years old continues to inspire and pave the way for aspiring pilots. Now, Irving is focusing on the next generation of aviators by establishing the Barrington Irving Technical Training School, a facility dedicated to offering young people, particularly those from underrepresented communities, the tools and knowledge to succeed in the aviation industry.

A Pilot’s Journey to Aviation

Born in Kingston, Jamaica, and raised in Miami, Florida, Irving’s passion for aviation began early. His path to becoming a pilot wasn’t typical—he did not come from a family with a long history in aviation, and his initial exposure to flying was limited. His journey took off when, at age 15, he became inspired by a story about a pilot flying solo around the world. This sparked his dream of pursuing aviation, despite financial and social barriers.

Irving initially struggled to find mentorship, but he was determined to succeed. He began his training at Opa-locka Airport in Miami, where, against the odds, he earned his pilot’s license. He became a certified flight instructor and worked several jobs to fund his flying hours. As he built up his experience and qualifications, Irving also started advocating for greater diversity in aviation, recognizing the barriers faced by people of color in the industry.

The Historic Solo Flight Around the World

Irving’s groundbreaking achievement came in 2007, when he became the first Black pilot and the youngest person to fly solo around the world. His journey spanned 26,000 miles and took 97 days. During this journey, he flew through 26 countries, facing mechanical failures, extreme weather, and challenging political climates. Despite these hurdles, Irving remained determined, completing his solo circumnavigation in his Cirrus SR22 aircraft.

This historic flight was not just a personal achievement for Irving, but a statement to the world that individuals from diverse backgrounds can defy expectations and make their mark on the aviation world. Irving’s story inspired countless others, proving that, regardless of race or background, with the right drive and determination, the sky is the limit.

Establishing the Barrington Irving Technical Training School

Inspired by his own experiences and the challenges he faced in a largely homogeneous field, Irving set out to create a space where people from underrepresented communities could access the necessary training and resources to thrive in aviation. In 2024, he founded the Barrington Irving Technical Training School, with a focus on teaching young people the skills needed to enter and succeed in the aviation industry.

The training school not only offers technical instruction but also provides mentorship and real-world exposure to the aviation industry. Located at Opa-locka Airport, the same place where Irving began his aviation journey, the school is a beacon of opportunity for aspiring aviators.

At the school's inaugural graduation ceremony, 15 new students were recognized for completing the program, marking a significant milestone in Irving's vision to diversify the aviation field. These graduates, many of whom came from local communities, were celebrated for their hard work and perseverance. Irving expressed his pride in their achievements, noting that many graduates had already secured jobs with aviation companies, which had recognized their talent and potential.

“I am so proud of them, and to know what they started from,” Irving said at the ceremony. “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.’”

Inspiring the Next Generation

One of the graduates, Tremaine Johnson, reflected on how the program shaped his aspirations. “I just want to expand my knowledge of aviation,” Johnson shared. “Fueling trucks, parking airplanes, networking with everybody in aviation, and lending a helping hand for people behind me that want to get into aviation as well.”

This sentiment of mentorship and mutual support is central to Irving's mission, not only in building a community of skilled pilots but in fostering an environment of camaraderie and accessibility for all. By offering mentorship alongside technical education, the school ensures that students are equipped not only with the necessary technical skills but also with the knowledge and encouragement needed to succeed.

A Call for Diversity in Aviation

Captain Barrington Irving’s achievements—his solo flight around the world in 2007 and his establishment of the training school—are more than just milestones in aviation history. They are a call to action for the industry to become more inclusive, and for young people, especially those from underrepresented communities, to see themselves as part of the aviation landscape. Irving’s efforts aim to address the glaring lack of diversity in the field, where the majority of pilots are still white males.

Irving’s story proves that with resilience, determination, and opportunity, young people from any background can rise to the top of their fields. As more students graduate from his training program, we can expect a future where aviation is as diverse as the skies themselves.

In the years to come, Irving’s legacy will not only be remembered for his record-breaking solo flight but for the future pilots, engineers, and aviation professionals who will look to him as an inspiration and mentor. Thanks to Captain Barrington Irving, the sky is no longer the limit—it’s just the beginning.