Leslie Irby

Leslie Irby, born on February 4, 1990, in East Point, GA, discovered her passion for aviation at 16 through the Aviation Career Enrichment (ACE) program, where she logged her first flight hour with Mr. Julius J. Alexander, Jr. She was mentored by Captain John M. Bailey, Jr. At 17, Leslie was selected to attend Flight Line, gaining experience with more complex aircraft while working towards her private pilot certificate. Her instructors gave her the call sign "Fox 5," likening her to the local news station for her dedication, determination, and dependability.

Leslie graduated from The Fort Valley State University in 2012. Her life took a unexpected turn in 2013 due to a car accident which resulted in a permanent disability. Undeterred, she pursued further education, earning a Master's Degree in Clinical Rehabilitation and Mental Health Counseling in 2017. Leslie worked as a Rehabilitation Counselor for vocational rehabilitation agencies in Georgia and Virginia, impacting high school students on the autism spectrum and others with developmental and intellectual disabilities as they transitioned to career opportunities. Her mission is to foster a more inclusive community for all, regardless or the challenges they face.

Inspired by Bessie Coleman's words, "The air is the only place free of prejudices," Leslie rekindled her dream of becoming a pilot during a flight to France. Through Able Flight, a program that helps individuals with disabilities achieve their sport pilot certificates, Leslie underwent rigorous training at Purdue University. On June 28, 2019, she became a licensed sport pilot. This milestone only motivated her to soar higher and pursue her private pilot certificate. She obtained her third-class medical certificate after a year-long battle with the FAA to demonstrate her ability to safely operate an aircraft. Leslie returned to Purdue University and earned her private pilot certificate on June 21, 2023, exactly ten years to the date of her car accident.

Leslie's commitment to making the world more inclusive is evident in her advocacy work. She founded The W.HEAL.CHAIR Experience, an organization dedicated to helping individuals with disabilities pursue their dreams. She advocates for making aviation more accessible and affordable by encouraging aircraft manufacturers to offer hand controls as a design option. Leslie also created "The Blueprint," a guide to assist fellow disabled aviators through the medical certification process.

Despite her paralysis, Leslie chose to embrace life fully, achieving numerous historic milestones. She became the first African American female with a disability to model at New York Fashion Week and serves as a global brand ambassador for various disability advocacy organizations. Most notably, she is the first African American female with a disability to earn a pilot certificate, joining the elite 7% of female pilots worldwide and the less than 1% of those who are women of color.

Leslie Irby is historically recognized as the first African American female with a disability to receive a pilot license worldwide. She owes her passion for aviation to Bessie Coleman and proudly follows in her footsteps as a pioneering aviatrix.