August 15th 2023.
Ariel Messam, an 18-year-old from Jamaica, New York, is making history by becoming the youngest Black female certified pilot in the Big Apple. She proudly announced the news on social media, writing: “Finally got my Private Pilot’s license. Youngest black female in New York to do it too! I’m so grateful for those who made it possible. God is so good. I took my first flight at 14 years old and couple years and financial breaks later, I made it official.”
Her incredible accomplishment came a little over a year after Ariel graduated from Aviation Career & Technical Education High School, earning her certification as an Aircraft Powerplant Technician and playing varsity basketball. After graduating, Ariel joined her brother Anthony Messam’s 5013 organization Level Up and Take Off, which promotes diversity, inclusion, and equity in aviation, real estate, and financial management.
Ariel often flies out of Republic Airport in Farmingdale, New York and enjoys sharing highlights from her flying adventures on social media. Shortly after announcing her pilot certification, Ariel shared photos from her travels to Oshkosh, Wisconsin.
In addition to working as an instructor at Level Up and Take Off, Ariel is also an ambassador with Girls Love to Fly. She announced her partnership with the organization last month, sharing that their mission is to “help women who are interested in becoming aviators through many different ways, including offering scholarship opportunities continuously as well as discovery flights!”
Ariel Messam’s story is a powerful reminder of how amazing young women are and how they can make history at any age. Her commitment to empowering others and diversifying the aviators of the future is truly inspiring.
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