MIAMI – Jamaican pilot, Barrington Irving will embark on a five-week solo world mission when he takes off on Friday, March 23 from the Opa-Locka Airport in South Florida.
Irving, a 23 year old senior majoring in aerospace at Florida Memorial University will use his single engine plane called Inspiration, to do the historic mission around the world, as the first black and the youngest aviator.
His interest in aviation was peaked at age 16 by his mentor, a Jamaican national and commercial pilot, Captain Gary Robinson, a customer at his parents’ Christian bookstore. After several conversations and a visit to inspect the cockpit of an aircraft, Irving knew where he was headed.
Born in Kingston, Irving was raised in inner city Miami, and “hopes his five-week mission will encourage other young people to resist the negative influences of the streets and work towards their dream.”
Barrington Irving
In planning for the historic mission, Irving had to raise $1 million which included a donation of the Columbia built Lancair 400 aircraft, the world’s fastest single-engine, by Seamech International Incorporation which will carry him on his world flight. Contributions from other industry related organizations were used for further preparation.
In May of last year, Irving used some of the funds he acquired to establish the first aviation learning center, Experience Aviation Learning Center, at the Opa-Locka Airport, using donated computers and Microsoft flight simulator software to provide youth training programs for young persons wanting to pursue careers in aviation and aerospace.
He also founded a non-profit organization through which he spends time with other young persons as a role model, visiting inner city schools and engaging in volunteer programs to youth organizations.
Although he was awarded scholarships in sports, Irving chose aviation instead and has continued to pursue his goals in academic and flight training earning his private, commercial and flight instructor licenses as well as instrument rating.
In preparation for the world adventure, he also had a full schedule which included intense training in survival skills, preparatory flights and installation of equipment.
Following his return to Florida on Tuesday, May 1, Irving will be flying to Jamaica.
