Arizona's Notable Aviators

In honor of Black History Month, the Phoenix Airport Museum puts the spotlight on Arizona’s accomplished black aviators. In the face of racial prejudice, discrimination and exclusion, these history makers have made significant contributions to the field of aviation. 

Some of these pilots had distinguished military careers while others made history in the field of commercial aviation. Vernon Haywood flew as a Tuskegee airman in World War II and as a member of the 99th Pursuit Squadron, the first all-black military flying unit. During a 16-month period, Haywood flew 70 combat missions and 356 combat tours. Lloyd “Fig” Newton was the first African American to fly in United States Air Force Thunderbirds and went on to achieve the rank of four-star general.  Janet Harmon Bragg was a registered nurse and the first black woman to receive a commercial pilot's license in the US in 1942. Robert “Bob” Ashby helped create the training program for the Boeing 747 aircraft and was the first black pilot to work for a commercial airline. 

The museum exhibition Arizona’s Notable Aviators is on display at Terminal 4, level 3 near the east end. On display are images, objects and information relating to eight renowned pilots who called Arizona home. Learn about their fascinating aviation careers as well as their service to community as civil rights activists, serving as Phoenix Aviation Advisory Board members and a judge.