The National Aeronautic Association has announced that Theresa Claiborne is the 2024 Katharine Wright Trophy recipient.
“Theresa is a courageous role model who overcame racial and gender barriers to start her career as the first black woman qualified as a Air Force pilot, KC-135 pilot, and Air Force flight instructor. She recently ended her commercial flying career with over 23,000 flight hours as one of the first black women commercial airline Captains,” said Amy Spowart, NAA President and CEO. “Theresa’s very essence motivates and inspires others. At her core, she embodies Katharine Wright as a person who contributes to the success of others.”
Claiborne’s flying journey began as an Air Force ROTC cadet, influenced by the incredible legacy of the Tuskegee Airmen and motivated by a T-37B familiarization flight at age 20. Despite the hurdles she faced, including those based on gender, race, and height, Claiborne’s unwavering determination guided her groundbreaking accomplishment as the first black female Air Force pilot.
Claiborne said, reflecting on the experience, “I didn’t know I was going to be the first until the end, and I’m glad because that’s a lot of pressure for a 23-year-old.”
“When Theresa arrived at Laughlin Air Force Base in 1981, flight instructors doubted her ability to operate the T-38 jet trainer and made her do a full military power run-up to prove she could hold the brakes of a jet she had no previous training in. She, determined as ever, excelled in the aircraft and became the first-ever black woman pilot in the Air Force,” said Caroline “Blaze” Jensen, Claiborne’s nominator and fellow Airman. “Theresa graduated September 16, 1982, without any mention of her trail-blazing achievement at the graduation ceremony, Theresa’s mother proudly pinned her silver wings to her chest. She was inspiring then and continues to motivate others now.”
Claiborne transitioned to the U.S. Air Force Reserve in 1988, and began a career in commercial aviation in 1990, during which she became the first black female to earn the Captain position of Boeing’s 787 Dreamliner. After 34 years at United, her recent retirement marks a journey that has impacted the lives of thousands of pilots, including hundreds of females. In 2016, Claiborne joined other black female pilots to found Sisters of the Skies (SOS), a non-profit that serves as a stepping stone from dreams to reality for women of color who encounter barriers entering the field.
Claiborne shared that she tells her mentees, “Eyes on the prize. A dream is just a dream; make it a goal and achieve it!”
The NAA’s prestigious Katharine Wright Memorial Trophy was established in 1981 by the Gates-Learjet Corporation. It is awarded annually in partnership with the Ninety-Nines, International Organization of Women Pilots, to an individual who has contributed to the success of others and has made a personal contribution to the advancement of the art, sport, and science of aviation and space flight over an extended period.
“Theresa Claiborne’s recognition as the 2024 K. Wright Trophy recipient is a testament to her remarkable career and significant contributions to the aviation industry,” added Spowart.
The members of the 2024 Katharine Wright Selection Committee are:
- Albert Berchtold, U.S. Parachute Association (NAA Air Sports Member)
- Josh Boehm, Spirit Aero Systems (NAA Corporate Member)
- Julie Clark, Ninety-Nines, International Organization of Women Pilots
- Carey Fagan, Air Traffic Control Association (NAA Affiliate Member)
- Kate Gebo, United Airlines
- Stephanie Griffith, Aero Club of Washington (NAA Aero Club Member)
- Chris Milligan, Bombardier (NAA Corporate Member)
- Tosha Perkins, Archer Aviation
- Jim Remar, Cosmosphere (NAA Institutional Member)
- Paul Ryder, Airline Pilots Association (NAA Affiliate Member)
- JP Stewart, Electra.aero (NAA Corporate Member)
