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Record-setting pilot receives additional honors

Barrington Irving Barrington Irving

Barrington Irving, who in 2007 became the first African-American to fly around the world, received additional recognition of his achievements in February, which is designated Black History Month.

In 2007 Irving, then age 23, flew a custom-made Cessna Columbia 400 23,000 nm in a trek that lasted three months, departing from Miami’s Opa Locka Airport (see “ Pilots: Barrington Irving”, the August 2007 AOPA Pilot ). He continues to work with inner-city youth through a nonprofit organization, Experience Aviation.

Irving was among 100 honorees in “The Grio’s 100: History Makers in the Making,” a compilation of the next generation of African-American history makers and industry leaders. Essence magazine featured Irving in its “Black History Now: 40 Firsts in 40 Years” list, along with President Barack Obama and first lady Michelle Obama; Colin Powell; and Mae Jemison, a crew member of the space shuttle Endeavour and the first female African-American astronaut in space. Finally, BET named Irving as one of its 15 rising stars of 2010.

Jill W. Tallman
Jill W. Tallman
AOPA Technical Editor
AOPA Technical Editor Jill W. Tallman is an instrument-rated private pilot who is part-owner of a Cessna 182Q.

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