The Bureau of Labor Statistics reported in 2019, that only 3% of U.S commercial airline pilots were Black. Despite the lack of diversity, many Black aspiring pilots have defied all the odds and fulfilled their aviation pursuits; one of such is 23 year old Malik Sinegal.
A native of Biloxi, Mississippi, Malik’s dream and dedication allowed him to make history at a a very young age. Twenty-three-year-old Malik Sinegal is now the youngest African American ever to become a certified Boeing 777 pilot in the country; a feat he wasn’t even aware he had accomplished until he was contacted by a representative from Boeing to congratulate him.
Malik Sinegal and his dream
The Boeing 777 is the world’s largest twinjet plane, and it’s usually not for beginners.
“The Triple 7 is one of the airplanes that people usually don’t touch until they’re around their forties or fifties; or they’ve been at the airlines for a very long time,” Sinegal told WXXV25.
“The biggest reason for me is that I’ve always wanted to fly this airplane. I was able to get in it for my first time in 2004 going to Anchorage, Alaska; which is my favorite place in the world.”
Back in 2018, the Malik Sinegal was given the chance to travel the world through the Delta State University aviation program; as an ambassador for Republic Airlines. His stops included such exotic destinations as Dubai, Sydney, and Tokyo.
“They have blessed me,” Sinegal said in a university press release from 2018. “We have the best teachers and instructors. Dr. Speakes, Sam Washington, Chip Cooper, Rogel Campbell, and Brett Oleis definitely need more credit for their hard work on campus.”
Sinegal is currently working in flight instruction at the New Height’s Aviation in Batesville, Mississippi.
