Keith Taylor has wanted to be a pilot for as long as he can remember. As a child, his mother took him to the park near Reagan National Airport in Washington, D.C. (DCA), where he watched planes take off and land. His first discovery flight came at age 14.

“I thought it was the coolest thing ever,” he said. “I could not stop smiling. It was one of the happiest moments in my life.”

Convinced flying would be his lifelong career, Keith pursued his passion at every turn. He took flying lessons throughout high school with his parents’ help. He double majored in Aviation and Political Science at Jacksonville University in Florida. And, he was accepted as a member of the first ever class at the American Airlines Cadet Academy, which offers aspiring pilots the training, mentoring and support necessary to one day fly for the world’s largest airline, along with a guaranteed interview at one of its regional carriers and a defined career track to the mainline.

More than 8,000 prospective pilots have applied to join the Academy since its inception in April 2018; of them, about 550 were interviewed and 120 are in training. So far, 15, including Keith, have become certified flight instructors. The other 14, like Brystal Duppstadt, are working on their final qualification before they, too, will interview with either Envoy, Piedmont Airlines or PSA Airlines to officially begin their careers.

To celebrate, a symbolic graduation ceremony was held in March at the CR Smith Museum in Fort Worth, Texas. One of the speakers at the ceremony was Washington, D.C. (DCA)-based First Officer Alissa Wise. Pairing pilots with the cadets is a key component of the program so cadets can get first-hand guidance and coaching along their journey. Alissa mentored cadet Erik Mejia when the program began, but this was not their first meeting. A year ago, Erik was a flight attendant with American and worked a flight with Alissa to Antigua (ANU). Erik shared that it was his dream to become a pilot and he was thinking of leaving and going to school to pursue his passion. But with guidance from Alissa, Erik waited and applied to the Cadet Academy.

A diverse pool of prospective pilots continues to join the American Airlines Cadet Academy, but the effort to recruit and retain the next generation of aviators can’t only focus on the here and now. That’s why American’s Flight, Flight Training & Standards, and Pilot Recruiting & Development teams are also focused on giving back to communities across the country by helping young people find their love of flight early on.

On March 30, a group of American pilots traveled to Moton Field (06A) in Tuskegee, Alabama, where more than 100 kids from the area were offered the chance to take discovery flights; participate in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) activities; and, of course, meet the pilots. Many of those who participated were from families who didn’t have the means to expose them to aviation and could not afford the cost of discovery flights. American’s sponsorship of the event made the experience possible.

“We truly believe that seeds of hope were planted at this event and that many of the kids walked away with new hopes and dreams of flying for American Airlines one day,” said Heather Bowers, Manager of Pilot Career Recruiting for American. “This event was incredibly rewarding for our entire #AATeam.”

All told, the Legacy Flight Academy, with support from American, offered 71 discovery flights during the Eyes Above the Horizon event.

“The weekend was proof of what is possible when people unite behind a common cause, letting us know that there’s no problem we can’t solve working together,” said Dallas Fort Worth (DFW)-based First Officer Jason Harris. “I am proud to work for a company that embraces history, diversity and inclusion, and supports events such as this.”

Back at Envoy, Keith Taylor isn’t slowing down. As part of the requirements he must complete before taking his seat in the flight deck, he’s now part student, part teacher.

“I thoroughly enjoy flight instructing because I am teaching and helping develop the aviators of tomorrow,” he said. “I also get to share my passion and love for aviation with others.”

It’s a busy schedule, but as he works to achieve his goal, Keith has made sure to take some time and reflect on his experience.

“I’m looking forward to working with some of the best pilots in the world, learning as much as I can from them and delivering world-class hospitality and customer service for decades to come,” he said.