At 17, Christopher Ballinger became one of the youngest licensed Black pilots in the U.S. after completing an eight-week Air Force Junior ROTC Flight Academy program, logging 55 flight hours. His rigorous training included early mornings and hands-on flying. Christopher aims to attend the Air Force Academy to fly military aircraft and encourages young people to pursue opportunities, stating, “Look for any and all opportunities … take it … you will see some results.”
At just 17 years old, Christopher Ballinger made history in Washington, D.C. by becoming one of the youngest licensed Black pilots in the United States. He earned his pilot’s license after completing an eight-week Air Force Junior ROTC Flight Academy program, where he logged about 55 flight hours.
This wasn’t some overnight success. The training was intense. Christopher and his peers had early mornings—waking up at 5 or 6 a.m.—ground school, written exams, and hands-on flying.But through every challenge, he stayed focused. “I have had this interest for a while… This was something that was calling for me,” he said.
His dream doesn’t stop there. Christopher hopes to attend the Air Force Academy and fly military aircraft one day.He wants his story to light a spark in other young people:
“Look for any and all opportunities … take it … you will see some results.”
