The Founders
Clifton Curtis, Michael Griffin, Craig Abernathy, Michael Fowlkes
The Flight Academy was started in 1996 by four Pensacola Naval Flight Instructors with a strong desire to give back to the community. All four founders are currently airline pilots and live in different parts of the country, but remain committed to the youth of the Pensacola community. During the course of the year, they make countless trips to Pensacola to build the programs, handle day-to-day operations, organize the annual Summer Camp and teach Weekend Classes. To this day, all the pilots remain hands-on mentors to the Pensacola youth.
From Left to Right
Group Picture
Tim McGuire: Vice President
Michael J. Fowlkes: Board Member, emeritus
LT Tyrone J. Arrington, USN: Volunteer Summer Camp Director
Bernie Sise: Corporate Development & Community Outreach
Paula J. Griffin: Financial/Administrative
Timothy Hooks: Treasurer/Secretary
Clifton W. Curtis Jr.: President
Michael E. Griffin: Board Member, emeritus
Not pictured;
Craig Abernathy: Board Member, emeritus
View their profiles
Individual Board Members
Members Emeritus
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HELP US HELP KIDS! in our community
Extension of Our Vision
Meet Our Former Students & Mentors
Left to Right Front Bianca Evans, Catalina Rios, and Avery Lockett
Left to Right Back Joseph Young, Mychal Martin, and Adrianette Williams
See What Participants Say!
Testimonials
Directly from our participants and their parents, you get to see how our program affects them in the camp and in life.
Catalina Ann Rios
Dear Family & Friends,I could not have completed my four years without the help of my family, friends, countless mentors, and most importantly my mother, Sara N. Rios. It was through her encouragement and guidance I now stand before you all as a First–Generation University Graduate. It has been my honor in laying down the pavement for other generations to…
Isaiah Herring
I can truly say the Chappie James Flight Academy set me up for success in the aviation career field! Isaiah Herring
Please, click the picture to read more…
Kendall Lee
I appreciate the flight camp for introducing me to the greatest HBCU. – Kendall Lee
Please, click the picture to read more…
Benjamin Hammond
I liked my time at the academy because the group projects gave us a lot of time to talk. – Benjamin Hammond
Please, click the picture to read more…
Precious Dixon
I was the quiet student that only spoke when I absolutely had to but by the end of the week-long camp, that had all changed. – Precious Dixon
Please, click the picture to read more…
Bianca Evans
I am now better able to advocate for myself when the need arises. – Bianca Evans
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Melea Griffin
This camp had an everlasting impact on my life. – Melea Griffin
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Yolanda Washington
This organization is superbly well organized and does an excellent job of managing its resources and support received. – Yolanda Washington
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Journey Washingtonhigh
This program helps to solidify my love of science. – Journey Washingtonhigh
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Wendell Slater
Personally, that lesson in confidence was invaluable at the age of 13. – Wendell Slater
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Jasmine Fowlkes
It’s experiences like these that I know have had an impact on my career and success today. – Jasmine Fowlkes
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Mychal J. Martin
I have owe a tremendous debt of gratitude to the academy staff and the example of General James. – Mychal J. Martin
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Joseph Young
The Flight Academy has left a truly indelible mark on my life. – Joseph Young
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Adriannette L. Williams, Esq.
This program is imperative for students of color, as it could change the very trajectory of their life. – Adriannette L. Williams, Esq.
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Avery Lockett
The Flight Academy is considered by me to be a keystone to my pilot aspirations. – Avery Lockett
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Avery Lockett
The Flight Academy is considered by me to be a keystone to my pilot aspirations. – Avery Lockett
Please, click the picture to read more…Adriannette L. Williams, Esq.
This program is imperative for students of color, as it could change the very trajectory of their life. – Adriannette L. Williams, Esq.
Please, click the picture to read more…Joseph Young
The Flight Academy has left a truly indelible mark on my life. – Joseph Young
Please, click the picture to read more…Mychal J. Martin
I have owe a tremendous debt of gratitude to the academy staff and the example of General James. – Mychal J. Martin
Please, click the picture to read more…Jasmine Fowlkes
It’s experiences like these that I know have had an impact on my career and success today. – Jasmine Fowlkes
Please, click the picture to read more…Wendell Slater
Personally, that lesson in confidence was invaluable at the age of 13. – Wendell Slater
Please, click the picture to read more…Journey Washingtonhigh
This program helps to solidify my love of science. – Journey Washingtonhigh
Please, click the picture to read more…Yolanda Washington
This organization is superbly well organized and does an excellent job of managing its resources and support received. – Yolanda Washington
Please, click the picture to read more…Melea Griffin
This camp had an everlasting impact on my life. – Melea Griffin
Please, click the picture to read more…Bianca Evans
I am now better able to advocate for myself when the need arises. – Bianca Evans
Please, click the picture to read more…Precious Dixon
I was the quiet student that only spoke when I absolutely had to but by the end of the week-long camp, that had all changed. – Precious Dixon
Please, click the picture to read more…Benjamin Hammond
I liked my time at the academy because the group projects gave us a lot of time to talk. – Benjamin Hammond
Please, click the picture to read more…Kendall Lee
I appreciate the flight camp for introducing me to the greatest HBCU. – Kendall Lee
Please, click the picture to read more…Isaiah Herring
I can truly say the Chappie James Flight Academy set me up for success in the aviation career field! Isaiah Herring
Please, click the picture to read more…Catalina Ann Rios
Dear Family & Friends,I could not have completed my four years without the help of my family, friends, countless mentors, and most importantly my mother, Sara N. Rios. It was through her encouragement and guidance I now stand before you all as a First–Generation University Graduate. It has been my honor in laying down the pavement for other generations to…