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Young Pilot’s Solo Flight on 16th Birthday Is a Dream Come True
Video of Elijah and Quincy’s Flight
Elijah J. Patterson Jones has been interested in aviation since childhood and his mother, Jonique Patterson, recognized his gift of aviation at an early age. She has been determined to make any sacrifices necessary to bring her Oakland-born child’s dream to to become a pilot come true.
They began traveling to different air shows and airport open houses. At a Hayward Executive Airport open house, they met Quincey Carr, a certified ground instructor, flight instructor and the chief pilot for the Hayward Bay Area Black Pilots Association.
At age 12, Patterson Jones began taking ground school instruction while learning to fly a Cessna 172 aided by books to see while using the instruments for navigation.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) requirements for a physical was done at age 15, at which time the Mt. Eden High School student took the FAA written exam and passed it.
Patterson-Jones and his instructor began flying a Cessna 152 to gain experience and accumulate flying hours.
On his 16th birthday, Patterson Jones flew his inaugural solo flight right on schedule at the Hayward Executive Airport.
The family was very excited. Having guided her son on his entire journey, Jonique Patterson said that Elijah will continue flying until his 17th birthday. The FAA requires you to be 17 to obtain a private pilot’s license. That is the next milestone they are working on.
And how does Elijah feel about this accomplishment? Elijah said he is very grateful to his family’s sacrifice to make this day come true.
