Read previewThis as-told-to essay is based on a conversation with Captain Theresa Claiborne, the first Black female pilot in the US Air Force and a captain at United.
The hardest period of my lifeIn 1980, the Air Force only had 10 slots for women per graduating class, and they had already been filled for the year.
I flew out to Laughlin Air Force base in Texas to start pilot training.
Captain Theresa ClaiborneEntering active duty in the Air Force, I did feel the pressure.
AdvertisementI tell the young ladies I mentor the same thing I told myself: be so good that they can't say you're not good.
Persons:
—, Captain Theresa Claiborne, Theresa Claiborne Captain Theresa Claiborne, I've, Theresa Claiborne, Theresa Claiborne I'm
Organizations:
Service, US Air Force, United, Business, Reserve Office Training Corps, Cessna, Air Force, Laughlin Air Force, Boeing, Companies, Women, Aviation
Locations:
Berkeley, Texas, Newark, Cape Town, Johannesburg, Tel Aviv, Delhi, Lisbon