Dreams take flight for 728th Airlift Squadron pilot

by Tech. Sgt. Tanya King
446th Airlift WIng Public Affairs

7/18/2012 - MCCHORD FIELD, Wash. -- Lt. Col. Kimberly Scott, a 728th Airlift Squadron pilot here, is being recognized for her military and civilian aviation accomplishments at the Eleanor Williams Dreams Take Flight Celebration during the International Black Aerospace Coalition Conference in Las Vegas on Aug. 1.

The award honors two pioneers in aviation history: Bessie Coleman, who in 1921 became the first American to obtain an international pilot's license; and Eleanor Williams, who in 1971 became the first African-American female air traffic controller. This year's conference focus is on military personnel.

"Both Eleanor Williams and Bessie Coleman were trailblazers in aviation; they had to be very persistent to achieve their dreams," said Scott, who is one of five recipients of the annual award. "It is very humbling to be considered in their company. I am honored if young people can be inspired by learning about my contributions to military and civilian aviation."

Inspired by her family and seeing aerial demonstrations at various air shows, Scott became the first African-American female pilot for both the Air Force's C-17 Globemaster III and Alaska Airlines.

Scott said her success is a function of the support she's received throughout her life and career.

"I loved hearing how my parents described their proud service with the U.S. Army and about the wonderful experiences they had while stationed in Europe," Scott said. "We would drop my father off at the airport and take him to the gate. I always wanted to get on the airplane and to see what was at the end of the jetway! I knew then that I also wanted to serve in some capacity."

After graduating from the Air Force Academy in 1990, Scott served on active duty as a KC-135 Stratotanker pilot until 2001 and flew combat support missions for operations in Kosovo and Bosnia, as well as post Desert Storm operations and Operation Southern Watch.

In 2001, she left active duty and became a Citizen Airman in the 446th Airlift Wing assigned to the 728th AS. Since then, she has flown combat support missions including Operations New Dawn and Enduring Freedom.

Scott encourages young women and underrepresented youth to pursue aerospace careers.

"Unfortunately there are very few African-American female pilots in the Air Force," Scott said. "We make up less than one percent of pilots. I am very encouraged by taking part in recruiting events including Women Fly at the Seattle Museum of Flight, Women in Aviation, the Lt. Col. Michael P. Anderson Aerospace Program and those with the Tuskegee Airmen."

The veteran pilot said she loves volunteering for aerospace education organizations because it allows her be that mentor to someone else who needs the encouragement and advice she got when she was pursuing her aerospace career. The advice Scott has for others who want to follow in her footsteps is similar to the advice her family and mentors gave her and are consistent with the qualities award honorees Bessie Coleman and Eleanor Williams embodied.

"Work hard, be prepared, be persistent, work towards excellence, keep a positive attitude and don't give up," is Scott's advice to those she mentors. "If you face challenges, learn from your mistakes and then keep going."