Trailblazing Pilot's Final Flight: A Remarkable Journey of Captain Theresa Claiborne

For approximately 43 years, she has been piloting planes, including military and commercial aircraft, continuously overcoming obstacles.

However, on May 23, Captain Theresa Claiborne will complete her last flight at Newark Liberty International Airport in New Jersey. She will be arriving from Lisbon, Portugal, accompanied by her friends and family.

"I've had an amazing career," Claiborne shared with CNN Travel over Zoom just before heading to Lisbon. "And now, it's time for me to take my final flight on a large airplane and retire."

Claiborne has been flying planes, both military and commercial, for about 43 years.

Claiborne has been flying planes, both military and commercial, for about 43 years.

Claiborne is excited about moving on to a new chapter in her life, but she can't help feeling emotional when she sees the awe in children's eyes as she walks through the airport in her pilot uniform.

After this, as I walk through the airport, I won't be wearing my uniform," Claiborne shares. "People will see me just like any other passenger, which will be a bit of a change... I hope I can still inspire change in the industry.

"I want to continue sharing my knowledge with young individuals, especially young black women, to show them that they can achieve great things."

Rippelmeyer in the captain seat of a Boeing 747 in 1984.

Rippelmeyer in the captain seat of a Boeing 747 in 1984.

Courtesy Lynn Rippelmeyer

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Claiborne, originally from Virginia, never imagined herself becoming a pilot when she was a young girl. She took her first flight at the age of seven, a trip to Turkey.

"My father was in the military," she shares. "Because of that, I had the chance to live in different parts of the world. I had been on large airplanes before, but never imagined myself flying one."

Everything changed when Claiborne enrolled in the Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps (AFROTC) while in college. This opened up the opportunity for her to take flight in a T-37, a twin-engine jet trainer.

"Once I experienced the thrill of flying and taking control of the airplane for the first time, I knew right then and there that this was my calling," recalls Claiborne, who was around 20 years old at the time.

Taking the plunge into the skies was a defining moment for Claiborne, solidifying his decision to pursue a career as a pilot.

"I’ve had a great career,” says Claiborne. "And it’s time for me to park the brakes for the final time on a big airplane.”

"I’ve had a great career,” says Claiborne. "And it’s time for me to park the brakes for the final time on a big airplane.”

Claiborne was eager to apply for undergraduate pilot training. However, she found out that the US Air Force was only training 10 women a year at that time and they had already chosen the women for her graduating class.

Soon after graduating from California State University in Sacramento, Claiborne saw an increase in the number of pilot training opportunities. Without hesitation, she decided to pursue her dream of earning her pilot wings.

"It’s sink or swim… Either you make it or you don’t,” she says. She found it challenging at first due to not having a strong math background.

“I just focused and made sure that I succeeded, because that’s the kind of person I am.”

In 1981, Claiborne was commissioned as a second lieutenant and the next year, she made history by becoming the first Black woman to fly in the US Air Force.

“I didn't realize until a few weeks before graduation that I was going to be the first Black woman to fly in the Air Force,” she says, finding the title "mind-boggling."

"I often mention how grateful I am that I didn't know. At the age of 22..."

Caliborne made history during her time in the US Air Force by becoming the first Black woman to hold the position of a command pilot and instructor for the KC-135, a mid-air refueling jet.

New heights

Claiborne with Ruth Bader Ginsburg, former associate justice of the Supreme Court of the United States.

Courtesy UA

In 1990, she started working as a flight officer at United Airlines. Despite being two inches shorter than the height requirement at other airlines, standing at five feet, two inches, she eventually became a captain at United Airlines.

When discussing her move to flying commercial planes, Claiborne emphasizes that "a pilot is a pilot."

"You may work in various organizations, but at the end of the day, you're still a pilot," she mentions.

Claiborne has always made it a point to be the best pilot she can be, emphasizing the importance of making sure her passengers have a great flying experience.

"I always make sure to communicate with my passengers to keep them informed and safe throughout the journey," she explains. "Their safety is my top priority.

"The landing is crucial, and I need to nail the next two landings perfectly."

Claiborne is committed to increasing pilot diversity and will continue to mentor young women.

Jorrit van Waalwijk van Doorn and Jasmijn van Waalwijk van Doorn

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As a kid she posed with her pilot dad in the flight deck. Years later they recreated the photo, with a twist

Thinking about being the first still gives me chills. If I hadn't graduated, who knows what kind of impact that could've had.

Claiborne has decided that her final journey will be from Newark, New Jersey, to Lisbon, Portugal, with her mother, close friends, and family by her side.

"I really wanted to visit Paris," she confesses. She was inspired by Bessie Coleman, the first African-American woman to earn a pilot's license, who went to Paris for aviation school. However, flying from Newark to Paris is a whole different story.

She ultimately chose Lisbon as her destination, mainly because there is a two-day layover on the flight. This will allow her to explore the city and spend quality time with her family and friends.

Usually, we only have a 24-hour layover at the outbound destination. We arrive, take a nap, grab a meal, take another nap, and then we're off again.

With the Lisbon trip, we have a chance to spend quality time together and have fun.

My mother has made countless sacrifices for me, so this trip is a chance for her to relax and have a great time.

Increasing diversity

Claiborne is committed to increasing pilot diversity and will continue to mentor young women.

Courtesy UA

After landing the United Airlines 787 Dreamliner in Newark, Claiborne will be honored with a water cannon salute. This special tradition involves two fire engines creating a large arc of water over the plane as a sign of respect.

Claiborne mentions that this moment is something retiring pilots eagerly anticipate. It is a unique and meaningful experience for her.

"I tend to get emotional," she admits. "I'm really hoping I can hold back the tears, but I know I'll probably shed a few. This will be the last time I get to fly a big airplane like that."

Claiborne has been with United Airlines throughout her entire career as a commercial pilot and feels grateful for the opportunity to work with the American airline for such a long time.

She mentions, "United is a great company. We have the highest number of female pilots among all major airlines in the United States, and I think we still lead in the number of Black women pilots as well."

In the US, the majority of professional pilots are White and male, as reported by the US Bureau of Labor Statistics. It is a field that lacks diversity in terms of race and gender.

There are fewer than 150 Black women pilots in the US, according to estimates. This places a significant responsibility on individuals like Claiborne, who are part of this small group.

She explains that she feels the responsibility to show that people who look like her can succeed. She mentions instances where crew members would mistakenly assume her co-pilot was the captain in the past.

She recalls how she would wait for them to finish speaking before turning around and confidently asking, "What do you have for me?"

Claiborne is the president of Sisters of the Skies, a non-profit that supports Black women pilots by offering scholarships to those interested in becoming pilots.

She acknowledges that transitioning from her successful career will be a mix of emotions for her.

Flying an airplane can be expensive due to the cost of pilot training, which is often the biggest obstacle for many people. That's why we focus on helping individuals overcome this financial barrier.

After serving as president of the organization for seven years, Claiborne is stepping down. However, she intends to stay involved by mentoring young girls even in retirement. Additionally, she has plans to write a few books in the future.

"There are women in our organization who are following in my footsteps and continuing the legacy," she mentions.

Although this marks the conclusion of her time as a commercial pilot, Claiborne is not ruling out the possibility of flying again in the future. She dreams of piloting a World War II aircraft someday.

"I've had friends who have invited me to go flying with them," she explains. "So I can definitely picture myself trying that out. It's something I really want to do and it's on my bucket list.

One thing that I would be absolutely thrilled to do is fly in a Red Tail airplane, which was the type of aircraft flown by the Tuskegee Airmen. That would definitely be at the top of my list of things to experience."

“If somebody is offering a ride in the backseat of a Thunderbird, I might as well put that out there. I haven’t done everything…”

Editor's P/S:

Captain Theresa Claiborne's retirement marks a significant milestone in aviation history. Her trailblazing career, spanning nearly five decades, has shattered barriers and inspired countless aspiring pilots. As the first Black woman to fly in the US Air Force, Claiborne's legacy extends far beyond her cockpit. She has dedicated her life to mentoring young women and advocating for diversity in the aviation industry. Her unwavering determination and commitment to excellence serve as a testament to the transformative power of representation and the importance of breaking down societal barriers.

Claiborne's retirement is a bittersweet moment, but it also presents an opportunity for reflection and celebration. Her journey is a reminder that anything is possible with perseverance and a belief in one's abilities. Her impact will continue to inspire future generations of pilots, both within the United States and around the world. As she embarks on a new chapter in her life, Captain Claiborne leaves behind an enduring legacy of breaking down barriers and paving the way for others to soar to new heights.