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In an impactful and insightful conversation with Business Insider, Captain Theresa Claiborne shared her journey through the challenges and triumphs of becoming the first black female pilot in the US Air Force, later transitioning into a captain’s role at United Airlines. Claiborne, who joined the Air Force in 1980, was initially considered too short for the height requirements and became a pioneering figure as the first black woman to be recruited. Throughout her career, Claiborne faced obstacles and underlined the perseverance needed to succeed in a field that was, and to some extent still is, marked by both overt and subtle forms of discrimination.
Growing up as a military child, Claiborne was no stranger to moving around. It was during her time at the Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) in Berkeley that she discovered her passion for flying, an experience that would steer her towards her groundbreaking military and aviation career. Despite facing limited slots for female pilots and overcoming the hurdle of being shorter than the Air Force’s height requirement, Claiborne’s resilience saw her through rigorous training and into an accomplished career.
Reflecting on her time in the Air Force, Claiborne recalls the weight of representing both her race and gender at a young age, a realization that dawned on her just before graduating. Her approach to these challenges was straightforward and exemplary: excel in your work so no one can question your capabilities based on subjective biases. Even in the face of discriminative incidents and an instance where her abilities were unfairly questioned, Claiborne maintained her commitment to excellence.
After serving seven years in active duty, Claiborne joined United Airlines as a commercial pilot, an experience that further exposed her to the prejudices existing within and outside the aviation industry. Despite encountering skepticism and bias from passengers and colleagues alike, she remained focused on demonstrating her proficiency and advocating for equity and diversity in the cockpit.
Captain Claiborne’s career also highlights the physically demanding nature of being a commercial pilot, especially when navigating long international flights. Citing the toll on her body, she recalled her final flight back from Lisbon with a sense of pride for her incident-free career and the legacy she has built for future generations of women pilots.
Beyond her personal achievements, Claiborne has actively contributed to increasing diversity in aviation, working with organizations like Women in Aviation and Sisters of the Skies. Through these platforms, she helps to inspire and educate young girls about the possibilities of a career in aviation, ensuring they know that they too can break barriers and achieve their dreams.
In closing, Claiborne’s advice to aspiring pilots and young women is a testament to her own journey: Aim to be the best and prove that you belong, not only for yourself but for those who will follow in your footsteps. Her story as shared with Business Insider not only sheds light on the obstacles faced by pioneers like herself but also celebrates the strides made towards a more inclusive and equitable aviation industry.