Jamail Larkins

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Jamail Larkins (b. January 30, 1984) is became the First Ambassador for Aviation & Space Education for the US Department of Transportation’s Federal Aviation Administration on February 2nd, 2005. Appointed to this position by FAA Administrator Marion Blakey, he acts as an official representative of the FAA, promoting aviation career opportunities to America’s youth, as well as the benefits of aviation to mainstream America.

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At the age of 12, Jamail flew his first flight with the EAA Young Eagles Program. He became famous two years later, by becoming one of the youngest American pilots to fly a powered aircraft solo at the age of 14 in Canada.

On January 17, 2000 he became the National Spokesman of the EAA Vision of Eagles Program, a youth education initiative of the EAA Aviation Foundation. The program encompasses all the Foundation's education programs, including Young Eagles, EAA Air Academy and the S-M-T Program. As National Spokesman, Jamail represented EAA and the Vision of Eagles Program and promoted the possibilities available to aviation enthusiasts, young and old alike.

January 31, 2000, the day after his 16th birthday he soloed in the United States in a Cirrus SR20, becoming the first and youngest student pilot to solo in this revolutionary certified single-engine aircraft.

In 2002, Jamail agreed to become the National Spokesman for a second organization, Careers in Aviation, a non-profit organization that promotes and provides aviation opportunities to young people. Jamail acted as the National Spokesman for Careers in Aviation during his college career at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. During this time, Jamail founded the DreamLaunch Tour. A nationwide tour designed to educate students about their career opportunities in the aviation industry.

Jamail has accumulated more than 1,200 hours of total flight time in more than 36 different types of aircraft. He makes appearances at airshows, has hosted radio shows at conventions, and writes columns for aviation publications. He has also been a guest speaker for fundraising dinners alongside such notable figures as Chuck Yeager, Harrison Ford, and Cliff Robertson. He has also trained in several different kinds of airline simulators, including the Boeing 777, the Boeing 767, the Boeing 757, and the McDonnell Douglas Super MD-80.

Jamail’s business and aviation accomplishments have been recognized by many organizations, including the Federal Aviation Administration, United States Space Camp, the Experimental Aircraft Association, Organization of Black Airline Pilots, and The Franklin Institute. He has also been featured in USA Today, Parade Magazine, Black Enterprise, CNN American Morning, Fox News Channel, The Late Show w/ David Letterman and numerous other media outlets.