The Black Experience in Business Aviation: An Exploratory Case Study

Abstract

Despite a rich heritage of interest in aviation as a career choice, Blacks have been underrepresented across all three areas of aviation in the United States: airline/air transport, military, and general/business aviation. The lack of interest in aviation careers by Blacks has not been the issue; societal obstacles, historical ignorance of the Black aviation experience, and an industry that traditionally closed most doors to professional aviation careers for minorities have been the culprits. Business and corporate aviation (corporate flight departments/ service providers) in particular has experienced low entrance and retention numbers for Black professionals, a reflection of the wider civilian aviation industry. An exploratory single case study, focusing on the experiences of Blacks employed in the world of business aviation, was completed and is described herein. This study design was chosen due to the lack of research on the topic in the existing literature. The data gathered advocates for future research across five major areas in order to further the knowledge and understanding of Black representation, not only in business aviation, but in the wider aviation industry as a whole.