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Barrington Irving
Barrington Irving
from Wikipedia

Captain Barrington Irving Jr. CD (born November 11, 1983) is a Jamaican-born American pilot who previously held the record for the youngest person to pilot a plane around the world solo, a feat he accomplished in 2007. He is also the first black person and first Jamaican to accomplish this feat. His aircraft, a Columbia 400 (Cessna Corvalis 400), is named the "Inspiration." It was manufactured and assembled by the Columbia Aircraft Mfg. Co. in 2005, using over $315,000 in donated parts, and is classified as a standard aircraft in the utility category.

Key Information

Early life and education

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Irving was born in Kingston, Jamaica, where he lived until the age of six. He grew up in Miami Florida, with parents Barrington Irving and Clovalyn Irving.[10] Barrington grew up believing college football was his only avenue to higher education. At age 15, Irving met United Airlines Pilot Captain Gary Robsinson, who talked to Barrington about his career. Their discussions showed Barrington the potential for an aviation career.

As a student at Miami Northwestern Senior High School, Irving turned down multiple Division 1 football scholarship offers to pursue his passion for flight. He studied at Broward Community College and Florida Memorial University, where he graduated with a Bachelor's in Aeronautical Science, Magna Cum Laude.[11] At Florida Memorial University, Irving earned his Private, Commercial, and Certified Flight Instructor licenses with an Instrument Rating.

Career

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On 23 March 2007, while still an undergraduate student at Florida Memorial University, Irving flew a Columbia 400, a single-engine aircraft named "Inspiration", solo around the world. He arrived back on 27 June 2007, having completed the 24,600-mile circumnavigation. Upon completing the trip, Irving, who was 23 years old at the time, became the first black person to circumnavigate the globe and, at the time, also the youngest person to do so. The completion of the flight earned Barrington a title in the Guinness Book of Records.[12][13]

Through his platform, Captain Irving founded The Flying Classroom and Experience Aviation to invest in and aid young professionals in STEM+ and aviation careers. The Flying Classroom, LLC, launched in 2013, is a K-12 integrative STEM+ supplemental curriculum to educate and connect young professionals to STEM+ and aviation careers. Its proprietary platform allows students to explore over 55 STEM-focused global expeditions and access 165 virtual lessons.

In the fall of 2022, Irving announced his plans to partner with industry stakeholders to build an aviation workforce training center in Miami. The training center will aim to increase the number of young professionals in the business aviation industry, with an initial focus on maintenance-related careers.[14]

Experience Aviation, founded in 2005, is a 501 (c) (3) non-profit organization based at Opa-Locka Executive Airport that utilizes aviation to build STEM skills in students to address the shortage of STEM professionals by engaging in STEM-related industry challenges. It aims to bring hands-on, project-based, and interactive STEM experiences to young people, such as building hovercraft, aircraft, and supercars, across the nation.[citation needed]

Irving's record was broken in 2012 by 22-year-old Swiss pilot Carlo Schmid, in 2014 by 19-year-old American pilot Matt Guthmiller,[15] and in 2022 by 17-year old British-Belgian pilot Mack Rutherford.[16]

In the Media

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In October 2022, Titans of Business Aviation, Capt. Barrington Irving and Community Partners announced the Launch of a Business Aviation Professional and Technical Aviation Training Center.

In 2019, Flying Classroom partnered with Bombardier, Inc. to launch The Flying Classroom Bombardier Academy to familiarize college students, military veterans, and technical school students with business aviation careers in maintenance.

August 2018, Capt. Irving lands STEM in Opa-locka. Captain Barrington Irving will oversee vocational programming and training for area youth and college students.

Publications

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Documenting Irving's historical global flight and achievements, Scholastic published Captain Barrington's autobiography, Touch the Sky, which aims to inspire underrepresented kids to pursue their dreams.

Awards and recognition

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In 2007, Irving became the first black person to fly solo around the world, a feat which enlisted him in the Guinness Book of World Records. As a celebrated aviator, Barrington has been recognized by leaders like President Barack Obama and has received a Congressional Resolution for his pioneering work in education in technology. In 2012, Irving was recognized as an Emerging Explorer by National Geographic. Among other honors, Irving holds the NASA Trailblazer Award and the NBAA 2019 American Spirit Award.

Personal life

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Irving currently resides in Miami, Florida with his wife and four children.

Mentorship

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Barrington Irving served as a mentor to Shaesta Waiz, the first civilian female commercial pilot from Afghanistan and the record-holder of the 8th woman to fly solo around the world in a single-engine aircraft.

References

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from Grokipedia
Barrington Irving (born November 11, 1983) is a Jamaican-born American aviator, educator, and explorer renowned as the first and only African American to complete a solo flight around the world, achieving this feat at age 23 in 2007 aboard a single-engine plane he named Inspiration. Born in Kingston, Jamaica, Irving relocated to Miami, Florida, at age six with his family, where he grew up in an inner-city environment and initially aspired to a career in professional football. His passion for aviation ignited at age 15 after a chance cockpit visit with a Jamaican airline pilot, leading him to forgo a full football scholarship to the University of Florida and instead pursue self-taught flight training. Irving graduated from Miami Northwestern Senior High School in 2002 and later enrolled at Florida Memorial University on a $100,000 scholarship to study aerospace science, amassing over 600 hours of flight experience by the time of his historic journey. Irving's 2007 solo circumnavigation covered 24,000 nautical miles across 23 countries over 97 days, marking him as the youngest person to accomplish the feat at the time and inspiring global recognition for breaking barriers in . In 2012, he was named a Emerging Explorer for his contributions to and . Committed to fostering STEM interest among youth, particularly from underserved communities, Irving founded the nonprofit Experience Aviation in 2005 to provide aviation-focused programs in math and science. Expanding his educational impact, Irving launched the Flying Classroom in 2014, an initiative that has conducted over 75 global STEM expeditions to more than 80 countries, challenging students to address real-world problems through innovative curricula. In 2023, he established the Barrington Irving Technical Training School () to offer adult programs in technical skills and job placement. As of 2024, Irving continues to lead these efforts while transforming a donated jet into a mobile STEM for atmospheric and student engagement.

Early life and education

Early life

Barrington Irving was born on November 11, 1983, in , to parents Barrington and Clovalyn Irving. As the oldest of three brothers, he lived in Jamaica until age six, when his family immigrated to the , settling in inner-city Miami, Florida, where his parents owned and operated a Christian bookstore. The move brought significant challenges for the Jamaican immigrant family, including financial constraints and exposure to an environment marked by , , failing schools, and ; by age 21, Irving had lost several friends to prison or death. Growing up in Miami's tough neighborhoods, Irving initially channeled his energies into sports, particularly , where he excelled as a high school athlete. He viewed football as his primary path to higher education and a way out of his circumstances, earning a full scholarship offer to the upon graduating from in 2002. Irving's trajectory shifted dramatically at age 15, when a Jamaican-born pilot named Gary Robinson, a customer at his parents' bookstore, invited him for a tour of a cockpit, igniting his passion for . This encounter, which Robinson later described as a moment where Irving "got it" and expressed a clear desire to fly, led Irving to spend his free time at Opa-locka Airport, where he washed planes for pay and immersed himself in the world of flight. Inspired by Robinson's stories of pilots and the broader legacy of African American aviators, he began practicing on a computer at home and took his first flight lesson, ultimately deciding to forgo the football scholarship in favor of pursuing a career in flying despite the financial hurdles of .

Education

Inspired by his encounter with United Airlines pilot Gary Robinson at age 15, which sparked his interest in , Barrington Irving began his formal education in the field by enrolling at (now ) in 2002 with a Bright Futures Scholarship. There, he pursued an Associate of Science degree in the Professional Pilot program, focusing on foundational skills through hands-on and introductory coursework. This initial phase provided him with essential practical experience in piloting and aircraft handling, setting the stage for advanced studies. Irving later transferred to Florida Memorial University in 2003, where he continued his aeronautical education on a $100,000 scholarship and earned a degree in Aeronautical Science with a concentration in Flight Education. He graduated magna cum laude in 2009, having completed a rigorous curriculum that built on his community college foundation. The program emphasized theoretical and applied aspects of , preparing students for professional roles in the industry. Throughout his university studies, Irving engaged in key coursework covering flight operations, , and aeronautical principles, including , , and safety protocols. These classes were complemented by extensive hands-on training, such as simulator sessions and actual flight practice, which allowed him to develop proficiency in multi-engine operations and instrument flying. To balance academics with practical accumulation of experience, Irving worked odd jobs at local airports and utilized scholarships to log flight hours, amassing over 600 certified hours by 2007—well exceeding the requirements for his pilot certifications and demonstrating his commitment to the field.

Aviation career

Solo world flight

In 2005, at the age of 21, Barrington Irving began intensive preparations for his solo circumnavigation of the globe, a project that spanned two years and involved securing sponsorships after being rejected by over 50 potential backers. With major support from companies like Columbia Aircraft and others, he assembled the single-engine Columbia 400 aircraft, named Inspiration, from more than $300,000 in donated parts, working alongside mentors to modify it for long-distance flight without advanced features like weather radar or de-icing equipment. He meticulously planned a 27,000-mile route that would cross the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, incorporating 27 stops in countries including Canada, Portugal, Spain, Italy, Greece, the United Arab Emirates, India, and Japan, while navigating international airspace clearances and logistical hurdles. Irving departed from Opa-locka Airport in Miami, Florida, on March 23, 2007, embarking on a 97-day journey marked by grueling challenges. He faced , including 100-mph winds, , icing conditions, and a massive sandstorm at 17,000 feet over that sandblasted the windshield and infiltrated the cabin, forcing reliance on instruments for navigation. Mechanical issues and fatigue compounded the difficulties during the long overwater legs, such as the North Pacific crossing from to , where he landed on remote islands as small as two miles in circumference. Cultural encounters at stops provided brief respites, but Irving's focus remained on safe progression, culminating in his return to Opa-locka on June 27, 2007. At 23 years old, Irving became the youngest person and the first pilot to complete a solo of the world in a single-engine , earning a [World Record](/page/World Record) for the youngest such feat (later broken in 2017). The accomplishment, recognized by Earthrounders and organizations, highlighted his technical prowess honed through prior education in . In the immediate aftermath, Irving faced a media frenzy, including interviews with and appearances at events like the Idea Festival, where he shared his story to motivate underrepresented youth in STEM fields. This launched him into motivational speaking tours, emphasizing perseverance and inspiring thousands of students to pursue careers.

Subsequent projects and expeditions

Following his 2007 solo , Barrington Irving shifted focus to educational expeditions, conducting more than 75 STEM+ missions across over 80 countries by 2025. These expeditions emphasize hands-on exploration of real-world STEM challenges, using as a platform to connect students with global issues through air, ground, and sea activities. Irving's approach integrates flight with , often partnering with scientists and engineers to demonstrate practical applications of and in diverse environments. A pivotal early project was the "Build and Soar" initiative, where 60 middle and high school students from underperforming schools in Miami-Dade County constructed an from scratch in just 10 weeks. The students, guided by Irving's Experience Aviation organization, applied STEM principles to design and assemble the plane, which Irving then successfully piloted to showcase their achievement and inspire careers. This challenge highlighted Irving's method of empowering youth through technical builds, fostering skills in and without prior . In 2022, Irving announced the launch of a business aviation technical and professional training center in , in partnership with organizations including the National Business Aviation Association (NBAA), Atlantic Aviation, and Bombardier, along with Miami-Dade County and the Miami-Dade Aviation Department. The initiative, known as the Barrington Irving Technical Training School (), aims to train 100 students annually in aviation disciplines such as piloting, , and , addressing workforce shortages by providing certifications and job placement in the growing industry. By 2023, BITTS had enrolled its first cohort and secured aviation jobs for graduates, expanding Irving's post-2007 efforts into adult professional development. Irving's expeditions have utilized various , including a for a 2014 global route spanning , , , and , covering 16 locations over eight weeks. These flights incorporate technologies like advanced systems to facilitate precise routing and during missions, enabling real-time educational content delivery to students worldwide. While no new record-setting flights have occurred, the emphasis remains on exploratory for STEM outreach, with ongoing collaborations such as those with to document expeditions in virtual lessons updated through 2023. As of , Irving is transforming a donated $5 million jet into a mobile STEM laboratory for atmospheric research and student engagement, serving as an exploration vehicle to collect data and connect with students globally.

Educational initiatives

Experience Aviation

Experience Aviation is a Miami-based founded by Barrington Irving in 2005 to introduce young people from underserved communities to career opportunities in and STEM fields, inspired by Irving's own early encounters with . The organization's mission focuses on bridging the gap in STEM awareness and skills by utilizing to build aptitudes in students through hands-on training, career guidance, and programs, particularly targeting middle and high school youth to address underrepresentation in the industry. Core programs include flight simulation workshops, airport field trips, and targeted for middle school students, emphasizing to foster interest in basics. Key initiatives feature the annual Build and Soar aviation challenge, where participants engage in hands-on activities like constructing and experimental planes, alongside that integrates STEM concepts into school programs. Experience Aviation partners with schools in underserved areas, such as Opa-locka in , to deliver these programs, collaborating with institutions like George T. Baker Aviation School to provide accessible aviation education. The organization has reached thousands of students nationwide through over 4,200 workshop hours and 3,100 program graduates, with successful student projects—including the assembly of a Zenith XL experimental aircraft by 60 high school participants in a 10-week Build and Soar summer program—leading to increased GPAs, enhanced teamwork skills, and career aspirations in aviation fields such as piloting and .

The Flying Classroom

The Flying Classroom was established in 2014 by Barrington Irving as an extension of Experience Aviation, leveraging aviation platforms to provide cross-cultural STEM education that connects students with global challenges. The program's core structure involves annual expeditions led by Irving to destinations worldwide, where participants explore interdisciplinary topics including , , and through hands-on activities and real-world applications. These expeditions form the basis of a supplemental PK-12 digital aligned to national standards, enabling students and educators to engage interactively via videos, lesson plans, and challenges that simulate travel and problem-solving. As of 2025, Irving has led over 80 such STEM+ expeditions across more than 70 countries, fostering skills in and . A pivotal emerged in with Bombardier, launching The Flying Classroom Bombardier Academy to introduce college students and military veterans to roles through practical modules integrated into the . In 2023, this effort expanded with the opening of the Barrington Irving Technical School (BITTS) in at Opa-locka Executive Airport, a dedicated workforce development center offering certification programs in to address industry shortages. In April 2025, BITTS expanded to a new location at Pompano Air Park in . In September 2025, it received a $100,000 grant from Miami to train 15-20 students. The school graduated its first class of 15 students in 2025, with many securing jobs in . Post-COVID adaptations emphasized virtual extensions, allowing remote participation in expedition simulations and live sessions to maintain global reach during restrictions. Throughout these years, the program has prioritized underrepresented groups, including students of color and those from underserved communities, to promote equity in STEM careers.

Recognition and media

Awards and honors

In , at the age of 23, Barrington Irving became the youngest person to fly solo around the world in a single-engine , earning a as the youngest at the time, which he held until 2014 when it was broken by American pilot at age 19. He was also the first African American to complete a solo by . Following his flight, Irving received Jamaica's Order of Distinction in the rank of Commander from the in October 2007, recognizing his contributions to national pride and aviation. In December 2007, the U.S. passed H. Res. 661, a unanimous resolution honoring Irving as the youngest pilot and first person of African descent to achieve the feat, while acknowledging his potential in aviation education. Irving was awarded NASA's SEMAA Trailblazer Award for his pioneering efforts in inspiring underrepresented youth in science, engineering, mathematics, and aerospace. In 2012, he was named a Emerging Explorer for his work transforming aviation into an educational platform to engage students globally. For his ongoing educational initiatives, Irving has been featured as a speaker and role model at the USA Science & Engineering Festival, highlighting his nonprofit efforts to promote STEM among diverse youth. As a alumnus, he continues to be spotlighted for his achievements in and education as of 2025. In 2019, the National Business Aviation Association presented him with the American Spirit Award at its convention, commending his inspirational leadership and mentorship in the field. Irving holds the honorary title of , reflecting his certified piloting expertise and international recognition through invitations to speak at and forums.

Media appearances and publications

Following his record-breaking solo flight in 2007, Barrington Irving embarked on an extensive media tour to share his experiences and inspire youth in aviation and STEM fields, including interviews with where he discussed the challenges of the 97-day journey and its motivational impact. He also appeared in coverage of his homecoming at Opa-locka Airport, highlighting the historic significance of his achievement as the youngest and first African American pilot to complete such a flight. Irving's public visibility continued through features on his educational initiatives, such as a 2018 Miami Times article detailing his partnership to bring STEM programming to Opa-locka youth via Aviation, emphasizing vocational training at the local . In 2019, he announced a collaboration with Bombardier through press releases and NBAA events, focusing on technician to address industry workforce shortages. More recently, Irving featured in a February 3, 2025, segment on the TODAY Show, where he spoke with host about using to encourage youth education and promoted his ongoing STEM expeditions. He has also delivered talks at Live, including a 2012 presentation titled "Teaching from the Skies," recounting his journey from inner-city to global aviator while advocating for underrepresented students in science. Irving has appeared in several documentaries and broadcast features recapping his flights and expeditions. Notable examples include the PBS series The Secret Life of Scientists and Engineers (2014), which profiled his 2007 solo circumnavigation and subsequent educational work, and the 2021 film The Hero of a Thousand Faces, where he shared insights on perseverance in aviation. Recent broadcasts, such as a 2023 NBC Nightly News segment on The Flying Classroom's global expeditions and a 2024 YouTube interview recapping his ongoing STEM-focused flights, have highlighted updates through 2025, including virtual learning integrations. In publications, Irving authored the autobiography Touch the Sky: My Solo Flight Around the World, published by Scholastic in 2012, which details his 2007 journey and aims to motivate young readers from diverse backgrounds to pursue dreams. He has contributed to STEM-focused content, including articles in on youth projects like student-built aircraft races. A 2025 children's book, Let's Fly!: Barrington Irving's Record-Breaking Flight Around the World, co-authored with Chana Stiefel and illustrated by Shamar Knight-Justice, recounts his historic flight for young audiences and was promoted alongside his educational initiatives. Irving maintains ongoing media presence through podcasts and online content tied to The Flying Classroom, such as a 2023 episode of the Gamechangers LIVE podcast discussing expedition inspirations and MSNBC's Into America (2022) recapping global STEM outreach, with videos on his YouTube channel providing updates on 2023–2025 flights and virtual classroom sessions.

Personal life and mentorship

Personal life

Barrington Irving has resided in , Florida, since immigrating there with his family from at the age of six. Irving is married and lives with his wife and their four children in , where family provides essential support amid his demanding lifestyle. He remains deeply connected to his Jamaican heritage, often highlighting its influence on his personal values, and engages with Miami's immigrant communities through his roots in the city's diverse .

Mentorship activities

Barrington Irving has provided personal mentorship to aspiring aviators, particularly those from underrepresented backgrounds, drawing on his own experiences as the first Black pilot to fly solo around the world. One notable example is his guidance of Shaesta Waiz, the first female civilian pilot from Afghanistan, whom he mentored during her preparation for a solo circumnavigation in 2017, where she became the youngest woman to complete such a flight in a single-engine aircraft. Irving offered one-on-one coaching to Waiz, sharing insights from his 2007 record-setting journey to help her navigate challenges in aviation training and expedition planning. Beyond individual guidance, Irving inspires broader audiences through speaking engagements at and events, where he challenges students to engage in hands-on projects. In 2008, he led an initiative through his nonprofit Experience Aviation in which high students from diverse communities constructed a functional Zodiac 601XL over 10 weeks, culminating in Irving piloting the completed plane—a feat that typically takes professionals over a year. As a ambassador for companies like Bombardier, Irving promotes diversity in by advocating for inclusive pathways into the industry, emphasizing opportunities for minorities often overlooked in STEM fields. Irving's has led to tangible impacts, with several mentees advancing into careers; for instance, graduates from his programs have secured roles as pilots and technicians, contributing to a more diverse amid industry shortages. As of 2025, he continues this work by participating in youth STEM challenges organized through nonprofits, such as STEM Fest events, focusing on empowering students from minority groups to pursue goals. His philosophy centers on breaking barriers for underrepresented individuals, inspired by his upbringing in a neighborhood plagued by limited opportunities, where he credits an encounter with a pilot for redirecting his path away from local challenges toward global exploration. Irving stresses that personal determination, combined with targeted support, can transform systemic obstacles into launchpoints for success in and beyond.

References

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