The Gwinnett County Board of Commissioners approved last week a 25-year lease with the first black-owned pilot school in the county to operate at Gwinnett County Airport - Briscoe Field.
Gwinnett County officials said Lookup Flight Academy, LLC was the highest-scoring firm in the competitive bid process.
They were selected to lease a 2.3-acre site with a hangar building and ramp.
The flight school aims to provide comprehensive pilot training and also address the underrepresentation of minority pilots in both private and commercial aviation.
Chairwoman Nicole Love Hendrickson expressed her enthusiasm for the board’s decision.
“We are proud to host the first black pilot school in Gwinnett,” Hendrickson said. “By providing a platform for aspiring pilots from underrepresented communities, Lookup Flight Academy is not only bridging gaps but also creating pathways for future leaders in the industry.”
Aviator and entrepreneur Michael Ojo founded the school to empower young people with the knowledge and skills necessary to pursue careers in aviation.
The institution will focus on mentorship and hands-on training and seeks a new generation of pilots who reflect the diverse makeup of society.
“Pilotage demands doing the hard thing, regardless of gender or wealth,” Ojo said. “It requires equal attention from all, as your life and future hinge on it. Embrace the challenge!”
Lookup Flight Academy, LLC, will renovate its hangar facility at Briscoe Field to enhance the learning environment. The school is expected to be fully operational and open to aspiring aviators by the summer.
http://accesswdun.com/article/2024/4/1239194/first-black-owned-pilot-school-opens-in-gwinnett-county