A Journey of Resilience and Inspiration
Carole Hopson's story is one of determination, breaking barriers, and redefining what it means to pursue a dream. At 60 years old, she has achieved a remarkable career as a pilot with United Airlines, reaching the rank of captain at age 58. In addition to her accomplishments in aviation, Carole recently published her first book, a tribute to one of the most inspiring figures in aviation history.
Her journey began with an unexpected moment that changed the course of her life. While traveling in first class, she had the opportunity to visit the cockpit and observe the pilots at work. This experience left a lasting impression on her, sparking a passion for flying that she could not ignore. “He said ‘come on up front.’ And I sat in the jump seat all night across the North Atlantic watching the stars and the pilot’s buttons and switches. I just knew I had to do this,” she recalls.
The encouragement from her boyfriend, who later became her husband, played a pivotal role in her decision to pursue flying. He gifted her her first flying lesson, which she describes as the moment she realized he was “a keeper.” Her first flight was described as “unworldly” and “orgasmic,” leading her to quit her job and retrain entirely.
It was during flight school that Carole first learned about Bessie Coleman, the first African American woman to earn a flying license in 1921. This discovery deeply impacted her and inspired her to write her debut novel, A Pair of Wings. Bessie’s story resonated with Carole, especially given the challenges she faced as a Black woman in a male-dominated field.
Bessie Coleman’s journey was marked by immense perseverance. She was born into a family where her mother was a former slave, and despite the odds, she was determined to fly. When American flight schools refused to accept her, she traveled to France to learn to fly, mastering the language and gaining the skills needed to become a pilot. Upon returning to the U.S., she barnstormed across the country, becoming a symbol of courage and determination.
Carole found herself facing similar obstacles in her own career. After completing flight school, she took time off to raise two children, only to return to the workforce at age 50. “I had worked so hard to bring these children into the world, now why would I run out of their world?” she explains. Despite the challenges, she never gave up on her dream.
Throughout her career, Carole has encountered numerous “nos” from those who doubted her abilities based on her age, race, and gender. However, she remained steadfast in her pursuit of success. Today, she is one of around 150 Black women pilots in the U.S., making up less than one percent of the industry. To address this disparity, she founded the Jet Black Foundation, with a goal of sending 100 Black women to flight school by 2035.
Carole believes that women are uniquely suited for the demands of aviation. “We’re resourceful. We understand how to build teams quickly. Prioritizing is something I learned as a mom,” she says. Her experiences as a parent have also influenced her approach to communication onboard flights. She often uses a “mom voice” to capture her passengers’ attention, a technique that brings a sense of warmth and familiarity to the cabin.
Despite her achievements, Carole remains passionate about flying. “There is something about the wonder of watching an airplane overhead that gives me the tingles even now,” she says. For her, the responsibility and training involved in piloting are deeply rewarding, as they are centered around the people who depend on her.
A Pair of Wings by Carole Hopson is published by Cassava Republic and available on Amazon, WH Smith, and other retailers. Her story continues to inspire others, proving that with determination and resilience, anything is possible.
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