December 20, 2021

Caleb Smith Makes History As The US’ Youngest Glider Pilot At Age 16

A Black teenager from Prince George’s County, Maryland, has officially become the youngest glider pilot in the nation’s history.

Caleb Smith, who is currently a 10th grader at Charles H. Flowers High School in Springfield, MD, received a scholarship to attend gliding school in May 2021 and since then he’s gone on to achieve his first solo flight after 33 flights. 

Currently, Smith has flown 12 solo flights, passed his written exam with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), and obtained his glider license all at the tender age of 16. According to the FAA, his age makes him the youngest private glider pilot in the entire nation.

Abbianca Makoni

Abbianca Makoni is a content executive and writer at POCIT! She has years of experience reporting on critical issues affecting diverse communities around the globe.