CHARLOTTE, N.C. (FOX 46 CHARLOTTE) – A North Carolina veteran is breaking down barriers in the aviation industry.
Fly for the Culture is helping the next generation soar.
“When I was serving in the military I was one of only two black pilots in the squadron,” said Courtland Savage, 29.
When he left the Navy, Savage felt called to give back.
“I was never a person to give or volunteer but it was all I wanted to do,” Savage said.
Inspired to bring about change Savage launched the non-profit in hopes of promoting diversity and inclusion in every aspect of the aviation industry.
Savage flies commercial flights and recently launched a staffing company to support airlines and airports.
“I’d like to see the industry more diverse. When you see the flight deck you’ll see a woman or a minority flying. If you see it now you’re kind of shocked because it’s rare,” he said.
Savage takes students on introductory flights and for many, it’s their first time around a plane. The veteran uses social media to connect with students and he’s using it this month to share history about the pioneers in the sky before him.
“It’s a time to go back and look at our history and re-write it and even learn from it. We can look at the mistakes and not make those same mistakes over and over again,” Savage said.
This year, a generous donor gifted the non-profit with a Piper Cherokee plane. It is a gift, Savage says, will be used for years to come.
“I do it for my culture. I do it for my community and I do it for my country because we all need to come together,” said Savage.
Each and every flight Savage takes is helping push the industry to new heights.
