Monthly Update - September 2022
“Follow your passion, be prepared to work hard and sacrifice, and, above all, don’t let anyone limit your dreams.” — Anonymous
Hello Everyone,

We are busy making plans for the October 15th launch of the 27th year of the Mile High Flight Program. It’s hard to believe that we’ve been operating for more than a quarter century, and we look back with pride at the many accomplishments of our students and graduates.

MHF graduate, now United Airlines pilot Tommy Fortson (pictured on the right) gave a presentation at DSST Elevate High School, to over 100 students. This was the first time we’ve recruited students from one of DPS’s newest high schools. It was an enthusiastic group and we’re excited to welcome some of their students into our program.

Another MHF superstar, Kamia Bradley is making fast progress towards reaching her goals of flying for a major airline. She just earned her Certified Flight Instructor – Instrument rating, allowing her to instruct students in instrument conditions. This is a major milestone for Kamia and we’re proud to continue to support her along her journey. Kamia will interview with SkyWest Airlines this month and looks forward to flying jets in January!

YOUR Mile High Flight program is making a difference!

Tailwinds,
The Mile High "Crew"
Honoring the Past & Inspiring the Future
The Tuskegee Airmen Mobile Museum comes to Wyandotte County

Kansas City, Kansas Public Schools are partnering with the Unified Government of Wyandotte County to host the CAF Red Tail Squadron's traveling exhibit Rise Above.

Read more
www.kmbc.com
All-Black Female Airline Crew Honors Bessie Coleman

For the first time in American Airlines' 96-year history, all of the staff involved in a flight's boarding and takeoff processes were Black women. It was in honor of Bessie Coleman, the first Black woman to earn a pilot's license.
On the Move
Mark Reese

We’re thrilled to announce that MHF graduate Mark Reese was just offered a job to fly for United Airlines! Over the years, the MHF Crew has mentored, encouraged, and motivated Mark to push himself towards excellence, and that hard work paid off. A member of the MHF team had the distinct honor of breaking the good news to Mark. We’ll keep you posted on his progress, as historic growth at United has made it possible for pilots with only one year of seniority to upgrade to Captain. 
Traye Jackson

MHF grad Tray Jackson just sent us this update, as he transitions to a jet training program:
 
“Good morning MHF “Crew”, I hope all is well. I've started at Flight Safety on their Falcon 50EX program. It's been a lot of information in a short time and jets are very different, but it's been fun.
 
I'll be a First Officer for their training program for initial type ratings and recurrent training. There is a possibility of getting the type rating in the future as well. It's been a great opportunity because I've learned a lot already and it's a great place to network.” 
Chance Encounter!
While on the way to different flight assignments, MHF grads, (now UAL pilots and MHF “Crew” members) Andrea Martinez and Tommy Fortson had a chance encounter while flying the line. Both are phenomenal role-models for our next generation of aviation, aerospace, and tech professionals. We salute them both for representing the highest values of the Tuskegee Airmen, while “paying it forward”!
Make a Charitable Donation to the MHFP - Click Here
Mile High Flight Program | www.milehighflight.org