Seventeen-year-old Kamora Freeland made history. She got her private pilot’s license — making her the youngest African American female to get the license in New York state.


What You Need To Know

  • Kamora Freeland, 17, started flying after being awarded a scholarship in 2022

  • Freeland flies on Long Island

  • She passed her private pilots license on Monday

  • Her goal is to eventually work as a pilot for a commercial airline

“I feel amazing — it hasn’t really sunk in yet, but I feel like in a few days, I’m going to process everything,” Freeland said.

After getting awarded a scholarship in 2022, she started flying at Republic Airport on Long Island.

“I never thought about becoming a pilot so I was like, ‘OK, that’s cool.’ But I went on the flight and I said, ‘I love this,’” Freeland said.

The Staten Islander and senior who attends Kingsboro Early College Secondary school drives two hours multiple times a week with her mother to practice flying on Long Island.

Freeland scheduled the test to coincide with her 17th birthday

She’s been so busy she hasn’t even touched her birthday presents from Feb. 22.

Freeland showed NY1 a go-pro camera she got for her birthday that she said she will use to record in the cockpit.

She got her private pilot’s license before her driver’s license because she just hasn’t had the time.

“It kind of all happened at the same time,” Freeland said.

She said she’s been too busy studying to become a pilot.

Initially, she wasn’t sure if she would be able to complete the test Monday.

When she got there, the wind conditions caused a delay. Thankfully, it cleared up.

“It was very nerve-wracking especially when the flight part portion got delayed due to weather. I was sitting in the car for hours,” Freeland said.

Weather, or any other roadblocks, won’t stop her.

Freeman’s end goal is to fly for a commercial airline.

“The sky is not the limit. Go for it and keep going,” Freeland said.

She told NY1 she can’t wait to relax and catch up on sleep. She plans to study economics in college.