Aero-TV: Leadership by Example -- Barrington Irving Inspires

Where Will The Aviators Of Tomorrow Come From? Here's One Flyer Trying to Affect Our Future... Positively

He's made quite a name for himself in his 25 years... and we surely haven't heard the last of this aviator. Barrington Irving is reportedly the youngest person to pilot a plane around the world solo. He is also the first African American and first Jamaican to accomplish this feat. He accomplished his amazing adventure in a Columbia 400 named the "Inspiration."

Over the course of the trip he got to know Mother nature very well. Of the over water portions of his flight, Irving (above) added "My hats off to Charles Lindbergh. I don’t know how he did it but I know why his windows were so small, when you’re flying over that much water, you don't want to see it."

Born in Jamaica and then raised in Miami inner-city, Irving and his friends didn't have many routes "out." Good grades and athletic prowess in football promised Irving a future in sports and a way to shed Miami’s influence.

One day when he was 15, his life turned to aviation. A customer in his parent's Christian bookstore was Jamaican Airlines Captain Gary Robinson. Robinson invited Irving to see the Boeing 777 he flew. The aviation bug snagged Irving, who became the airport kid -- washing planes for money for lessons or rides. The football team lost a star as Irving turned down all the scholarships and turned his dreams skyward. Few people understood his choice, including parents, friends and coaches... but Irving knew his path.

Irving attended Florida Memorial University and has worked his way an instructor rating. Throughout his training Irving started speaking at schools, churches and community groups about aviation careers. In 2005 Irving founded Experience Aviation, Inc. on Opa Locka Airport (FL). The program is designed to offer information and guidance to young people in the South Florida area about aviation careers.

Mr. Irving was born in Jamaica, and grew up in the Miami, Florida. He is a ...

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