Compton-based Tomorrow’s Aeronautical Museum founder, Robin Petgrave, Kimberley Anyadike, the youngest African American female known to fly solo across country and supervisor Mark Ridley-Thomas.

SUPERVISOR RIDLEY-THOMAS
HONORS 15-YEAR-OLD PILOT


KIMBERLY ANYADIKE BECOMES THE YOUNGEST AFRICAN-AMERICAN FEMALE TO FLY ACROSS THE U.S. SOLO

Supervisor Mark Ridley-Thomas today honored 15-year-old Kimberly Anyadike, the youngest African American female known to fly solo across country.

Accompanied by her parents and the Compton-based Tomorrow's Aeronautical Museum's (TAM) founder, Robin Petgrave, the Supervisor praised the Inglewood resident for making aviation history piloting a single-engine Cessna across the country, from Compton Woodley Airport to Newport News, Virginia.

Anyadike took off from Compton Woodley Airport on June 29 navigating across country, landing several times along the way to the east coast before touching back down in Compton last Saturday.

Her phenomenal two-week journey was her way to honor the historical Tuskegee Airmen for their service and valor during World War II. Her journey earned worldwide news coverage. Anyadike made the flight with an adult safety pilot, Ronell Norman and Levi Thornhill, who served with the Tuskegee Airmen during World War II.

"I am thoroughly impressed with this young lady because she not only dreamed of making this trip to not be in the spotlight, but in an effort to inspire fellow youth to believe in themselves," the Supervisor said.

Kimberly's 10-day trip was sponsored by TAM, based at the Compton Woodley Airport, where she has been flying since the age of 12.

"I commend TAM founder Robin Petgrave for his vision and aeronautical expertise, as he continues the work brightening the future of our youth, providing them the opportunity to experience triumphant and historical accomplishments as future leaders."

Last update: 07-16-2009 10:39

Published in : News, Local

Users' Comments (0)

Add your comment