Pilots of Promise

Pilots of Promise Pilots of Promise: The Future is Bright

🚀✈️ Tampa ACE Academy Day 2 wrapped up with an incredible visit to the United Airlines Technical Operations Maintenance ...
06/16/2026

🚀✈️ Tampa ACE Academy Day 2 wrapped up with an incredible visit to the United Airlines Technical Operations Maintenance Hangar!

Our participants had the unique opportunity to step inside the world of aircraft maintenance and engineering. One of the highlights of the day was seeing the engine of a Boeing 737 MAX opened up while United Airlines professionals explained every detail, component, and system that keeps these amazing aircraft flying safely around the world.

The knowledge shared today was truly invaluable. Our students were exposed to more than 50 additional careers within the aviation and aerospace industry, ranging from aircraft maintenance technicians and engineers to logistics, operations, safety, and leadership roles.

What makes the Tampa ACE Academy so special is that every day our participants discover new possibilities for their future. Today wasn't just about airplanes—it was about opening minds, inspiring dreams, and helping young people see themselves in careers they may have never imagined before.

As we move one step closer to graduation on Friday, I can already see future pilots, engineers, mechanics, air traffic controllers, and aviation leaders emerging from this talented group. I am also excited to say that we definitely have several future Pilots of Promise mentees who will continue their aviation journey through mentorship, guidance, and opportunity.

A huge thank you to United Airlines for once again rolling out the red carpet and investing in the next generation of aviation professionals. Your commitment to education, mentorship, and workforce development is making a lasting impact.

The future of aviation is bright! ✈️🌎

🚁⚓ Day 2 of the Tampa ACE Academy was nothing short of AMAZING!Today, our participants had the incredible opportunity to...
06/16/2026

🚁⚓ Day 2 of the Tampa ACE Academy was nothing short of AMAZING!

Today, our participants had the incredible opportunity to visit the U.S. Coast Guard Air Station Clearwater, where they were welcomed by dedicated professionals who proudly serve our nation every day.

Our students toured the impressive HC-27J Spartan and MH-60T Jayhawk aircraft, gaining firsthand insight into the missions, technology, and teamwork required to support search and rescue operations, maritime law enforcement, and homeland security.

The energy and curiosity from our participants were incredible! They asked thoughtful questions about aviation careers, life in the Coast Guard, search and rescue missions, water safety, rip currents, and the paths these professionals took to achieve their goals.

One of the highlights of the day was visiting the SWIM Response Team, where students learned about water rescue operations and what to do in emergency situations. The discussions were engaging, inspiring, and eye-opening.

Most importantly, our participants left knowing that the U.S. Coast Guard offers exciting opportunities to serve their country while pursuing careers in aviation, engineering, maritime operations, emergency response, and leadership.

A huge THANK YOU to the men and women of the U.S. Coast Guard for investing in the next generation and showing our students what is possible when preparation meets opportunity.





















🔥 Day 1 of Tampa ACE Academy was absolutely incredible! ✈️Today, our students got an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at...
06/15/2026

🔥 Day 1 of Tampa ACE Academy was absolutely incredible! ✈️

Today, our students got an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at Southwest Airlines , and they truly rolled out the red carpet for us. From operations and maintenance to customer service, leadership, safety, logistics, and more, our participants were exposed to nearly 60 different career opportunities within the aviation industry — and we're only on Day 1 of a 5-day journey!

One of the highlights of the day was our Tampa International Airport scavenger hunt, which the students absolutely loved. It challenged them to explore, learn, engage, and discover just how many moving parts it takes to keep an airport running smoothly.

As I reflect on today, I am overwhelmed with gratitude. Thank you to my incredible co-directors and volunteers who continue to pour their time, talent, and passion into inspiring the next generation of aviation and aerospace professionals. None of this would be possible without your dedication and commitment.

I'm also excited to share that several participants are currently being vetted for Pilots of Promise, and based on what we've seen so far, I truly believe we may welcome at least five new mentees into our program after they graduate from Tampa ACE Academy at the Dream Center of Tampa this Friday.

The future of aviation is bright, and we're just getting started! 🚀

✈️🌟 BIG NEWS! 🌟✈️We are excited to announce that the official Pilots of Promise website is coming soon!Our mission is si...
06/07/2026

✈️🌟 BIG NEWS! 🌟✈️

We are excited to announce that the official Pilots of Promise website is coming soon!

Our mission is simple: Inspire, mentor, and empower the next generation of aviation and aerospace professionals by providing access, exposure, and opportunities that help dreams take flight.

🚀 Visit our new landing page today:
https://pilotsofpromise.org/

Whether you're a student, parent, mentor, educator, aviation professional, sponsor, or supporter, we invite you to join us on this incredible journey as we build pathways to success for future aviators.

The future of aviation starts with a promise... and we're just getting started.

Stay tuned for:
✅ Scholarship Opportunities
✅ Mentorship Programs
✅ Aviation Career Resources
✅ Student Success Stories
✅ Community Partnerships
✅ Upcoming Events

Together, we're creating opportunities, changing lives, and shaping the future of aviation.

Congratulations to Roberto Manuel Zacarias on earning his Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) Rating in just two months! ✈...
05/30/2026

Congratulations to Roberto Manuel Zacarias on earning his Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) Rating in just two months! ✈️

This is a tremendous accomplishment and a major milestone on the journey toward becoming an airline pilot. We are excited to see you begin teaching and inspiring the next generation of aviators while continuing to build valuable flight experience.

The Pilots of Promise family is proud of your dedication, discipline, and commitment to excellence. Wishing you continued success, safe flying, and many future achievements.

Keep climbing. The sky is not the limit—it's just the beginning!

✈️🌟 Celebrating Excellence in Aviation 🌟✈️Pilots of Promise and Tampa ACE Academy would like to recognize and celebrate ...
05/15/2026

✈️🌟 Celebrating Excellence in Aviation 🌟✈️

Pilots of Promise and Tampa ACE Academy would like to recognize and celebrate the incredible accomplishments of Kamora Freeland — a rising star who is inspiring the next generation of aviators across the country.

At just 17 years old, Kamora made history by becoming one of the youngest licensed female pilots in New York and one of the youngest Black female pilots in the United States. Her dedication, discipline, and commitment to aviation excellence continue to break barriers and create new possibilities for young scholars everywhere.

Now attending Spelman College while continuing her aviation journey, Kamora represents exactly what is possible when preparation meets opportunity.

At Pilots of Promise and Tampa ACE Academy, our mission is to expose, inspire, and empower future leaders in aviation and aerospace — and Kamora’s story is proof that dreams truly can take flight. 💯

Your journey is inspiring young people everywhere to stay focused, stay disciplined, and never place limits on what they can achieve.

The sky is not the limit… it’s only the beginning. ✈️

Fly now and pay over time. NO NEED TO SPEND YEARS SAVING UP! FLY NOW!! LINK IN THE COMMENTS!👇👇👇
04/28/2026

Fly now and pay over time. NO NEED TO SPEND YEARS SAVING UP! FLY NOW!! LINK IN THE COMMENTS!👇👇👇

✈️ Pilots of Promise Spotlight: Captain M’Lis Ward ✈️At Pilots of Promise, we believe representation matters — because w...
04/28/2026

✈️ Pilots of Promise Spotlight: Captain M’Lis Ward ✈️

At Pilots of Promise, we believe representation matters — because when young people can see what’s possible, they begin to believe it’s possible for them too.

Captain M'Lis Ward made aviation history in 1998 when she became the first African American female captain for a U.S. passenger airline, earning that distinction while commanding United Airlines’ Boeing 737. This was more than a personal accomplishment — it was a breakthrough moment that opened doors and inspired generations of aspiring aviators.

Her journey reflects excellence both in and out of the cockpit. She graduated from USC Marshall School of Business as an Air Force ROTC scholarship recipient and was also part of a national championship basketball team — proving that discipline, leadership, and teamwork create champions in every arena.
Before joining United Airlines, Captain Ward served as an Air Force instructor pilot, sharpening her leadership and aviation expertise while serving her country. Today, she continues to make an impact as an active captain, evaluator, and FAA designee — still helping shape the future of aviation.
Her story reminds every young dreamer: Your background does not limit your future.
Your goals are valid.

Your dreams deserve runway space.
At Pilots of Promise, we are committed to exposing students to stories like Captain Ward’s because the next generation of pilots, engineers, air traffic controllers, and aerospace leaders are watching — and preparing for takeoff.

Keep dreaming big. Keep preparing. Your seat at the table — and in the cockpit — is waiting.

Address

19046 Bruce B Downs
Tampa, FL
33647

Telephone

+16123864396

Website

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Pilots of Promise posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The Organization

Send a message to Pilots of Promise:

Shortcuts

Share

Category