Rick Wilson was only three years old when he discovered his love for flying. Perched on the edge of the couch with his brother, they kept popping the movie Top Gun into their VHS player at home. After watching the ‘fast planes’ take off in the movie, he knew his dream was to someday fly on his own.       

A couple of years later, the Endeavor Air First Officer met his first mentor who began fueling his dream – his first-grade teacher, Mr. McKinney. Mr. McKinney was in the Navy himself and saw that passion in Rick.  

“Mr. McKinney did everything he could to water and fertilize my dream of becoming a pilot. He would buy me airplane books with his own money,” Rick said. “He drew pictures of me in 20 years, sitting in jet cockpits.”  

And Mr. McKinney was right. Fast forward 20 years, Rick entered Navy Flight School in Pensacola, Fla., and ended up flying the MH-60S, ‘Nighthawk helicopter.’ After his time in the Navy, Rick started his airline career at a different regional carrier but was furloughed during COVID. He then got a federal job working for the Air Force. 

“It was a good job, but the only problem was I told people I was spiritually incorrect,” Rick said. “My heart and soul were in aviation, and I just couldn’t stick with it. I called it a 14-month sentence.” 

Rick found his way back to his true passion and resumed his career at 35,000 feet with Endeavor Air in August 2021.  

After achieving his dreams, Rick has learned how valuable drive, support and representation are for being a successful pilot – especially as a Black pilot. Many people approach Rick at the airport to say how much they appreciate seeing a Black pilot at an airline.  

“It makes me feel incredibly blessed that people feel like encountering a Black pilot is a blessing and uplifts them,” Rick said. “Seeing someone from your background that’s doing what you want to do can be the one thing that makes you take that first step.” 

“I don’t take that for granted – especially because I know that there are a lot of people that went before me. They’ve had huge struggles to make this possible.” 

As we wrap up Black History Month, Rick reflects on what this month means to him.  

“Black History Month is a period to memorialize the achievements of the Black community, as well as our contribution to American history. To me, it’s a great time to reflect on the struggles of the Black community, celebrate our heroes, and acknowledge there’s still work to be done.” 

Rick celebrates Black History by learning more about his ancestors and watching documentaries like Roots, a graphic depiction of slavery through the end of the Civil War. The First Officer hopes to educate his two daughters on Black History when they’re a little older, and perhaps watch some documentaries with them.  

Whether it’s his daughters or a ramper at an airport, Rick hopes to be someone’s ‘Mr. McKinney’ in their life. For any aspiring Black aviation professional, Rick said above all – follow your dreams.  

“If there’s a will, there’s a way. If you want it bad enough, you can make it happen. Do your research, ask questions and don’t be afraid to fall every now and then,” Rick said. “I’m biased, but I think it is the greatest job in the world.” 

“When I wake up, I look forward to putting the uniform on and going to the airport. This is something that I’ve dreamed about for my whole life. I feel like I represent something much bigger than myself because of each Black aviator who has been here before me,” Rick said.