Cason Brinkley makes aviation history
On July 15, 2024, Cason Brinkley, a rising senior at Cleveland Central High School, made history as the first 16-year-old African American to complete his first solo flight piloting an airplane at the Panola County Airport (KPMU).
Brinkley is completing his flight training under the guidance of Certified Flight Instructor Ken Taylor. Taylor owns New Heights Aviation, located at 2 Airport Road in Batesville, Mississippi.
After 15 hours of flight training, Brinkley flew his solo flight. His accomplishment was celebrated with the Shirttail Cutting Ceremony, a long-held traditional honor bestowed upon a pilot completing the first solo flight.
Brinkley stated: “I plan to continue my aviation education by attending a new summer camp at the Air Force Summer Seminar in Colorado Springs to expose myself to the full scope of aviation career opportunities.”
Taylor agrees aviation is in Brinkley’s future, saying: “Cason is very self-motivated and focused on continuing his aviation career and I feel he is set on a great career path to become a commercial pilot…his future is set.”
Brinkley’s parents are Carl and Markeita Brinkley, a retired aviation and logistics instructor from Delta State University and a special education director for the Cleveland Public Schools, respectively. Carl Brinkley said, “My wife and I are investing our financial support and giving our emotional support to Cason and his aspirations to become a commercial pilot. We are willing to assist our son in any way we can by taking him to various camps so that he can acquire experience and gain exposure to other pilots from around the country. Additionally, we are elated that he is seeing pilots who look like him, like Ken Taylor, and the many African American pilots who are willing to take time with Cason in a hands-on manner.”
On August 15, 2024, the Mississippi State Board of Education recognized Brinkley at its monthly meeting. Ms. Janice Wood, editor of General Aviation News featured Brinkley in the news publication. Brinkley’s achievement also was recognized when he was among 20 high school students selected to attend the Saint Louis University Aviation Summer Camp.
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