Spirit Of Tuskegee Airmen Has Sacramento Teens Flying High
/ CBS Sacramento
SACRAMENTO (CBS13) — A new pilot program aimed at inner-city youth is taking them to new heights, giving them a chance to excel in the field of aviation.
Former Air Force pilot Karim Watson—along with a network of pilots, air traffic controllers and parents—are trying to make an impact on at-risk kids by exposing them to aviation.
"We're important because we're educating our community and keeping them in a place where they're not getting into trouble," he said.
The students are flying high above the challenges they face in their neighborhoods by learning not just the basics of aviation, but how to take responsibility for their future.
Watson says they are building leaders.
"They come in as first lieutenants, second lieutenants, they go all the way up to four-star generals in our program," he said.
The program is inspired by the legendary Tuskegee Airmen, a group of African-American fighter and bomber pilots who fought in World War II.
After extensive training, they can become co-pilots.
"I'm just looking down and seeing all the things," said Ashanti Cason. "It's like a tiny little village. It's interesting to look at all the stuff and you're so high up."
The uniforms and planes for the program are provided by the Air Force.
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