16-year old black teen makes history, becomes youngest Glider Pilot in US

Meet Caleb Smith, a 16-year-old from P.G. County, Maryland, who the FAA claims is now the country’s youngest glider pilot.

He is presently a 10th grader at Springdale’s Charles H. Flowers High School.

Caleb’s desire reportedly began when he was just 10 years old, during an exploration trip at Bowie Freeway Airport, according to WUSA-9.

His ambition was kindled by this encounter, which led to a genuine interest in aviation.

Periodically, he would take a flight with a Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) to check on his desire.

Over the course of time, he began to gradually pursue his dream by having one-on-one ground instruction and airtime.

In May 2021, Caleb was awarded a scholarship for gliding school. He was able to achieve his first solo after 33 flights and has already flown 12 solos.

Even more, he has passed the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) written exam and his check-ride which allows him to obtain his Glider Pilot’s license.

Ultimately, his goal is to become a commercial airline pilot.

Caleb attributes his success to a scholarship he received from Skyline Soaring Club at Front Royal Airport in Virginia, which enabled him to reach this enormous objective.

READ ALSO: See the 16-year old Pilot who doesn’t even have her driver’s license yet but gets certificate

He also claims that Destiny Aviation Services embraced him with open arms as a team member and gave him invaluable aviation advice during his formative years.

He claims that his mission is to uplift other young people and show them that they can achieve their goals if they remain devoted to God

Prioritize their families, pursue a decent education, uphold their moral principles, and, most importantly, learn to love and respect others.