[Congressional Bills 110th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H. Res. 661 Engrossed in House (EH)]
In the House of Representatives, U. S.,
December 11, 2007.
Whereas Barrington Irving was born in 1983 in Kingston, Jamaica, and raised in
inner-city Miami, Florida;
Whereas Irving discovered his passion for aviation at the age of 15 when Captain
Gary Robinson, a Jamaican airline pilot who has since served as his
mentor, took him to tour the cockpit of a Boeing 777;
Whereas Irving overcame financial hardship to pursue his dream to become a pilot
by working miscellaneous jobs and working for private aircraft owners in
exchange for flying lessons;
Whereas Irving was the recipient of a joint Air Force/Florida Memorial
University Flight Awareness Scholarship to cover college tuition and
flying lessons for his tireless volunteer efforts and commitment to
community service;
Whereas in 2003, Irving contacted companies including aircraft manufacturer
Columbia, which agreed to provide him with a plane to fly around the
world if he could secure donations and components;
Whereas over several years, Irving visited aviation trade shows throughout the
country and secured more than $300,000 of cash and donated components
including the engine, tires, cockpit systems, and seats for a Columbia
400, one of the world's fastest single-engine piston airplanes;
Whereas in the process of pursuing his dream of an around the world flight,
Irving founded a nonprofit organization in 2005 to address the
significant shortage of youth pursuing careers in aviation and
aerospace;
Whereas Irving's efforts have garnered widespread community support and
sponsorship as an effective model to expose young people and
underrepresented groups to opportunities in aviation;
Whereas on March 23, 2007, Irving embarked from Miami, Florida, on a 24,600-mile
flight around the world in an airplane named ``Inspiration'' at 23-years
of age while still a senior majoring in aerospace at Florida Memorial
University;
Whereas on June 27, 2007, Irving concluded his flight in Miami, Florida, after
stopping in 27 cities throughout the world; and
Whereas Irving continues to inspire youth and adults alike with his achievements
and work to increase the accessibility of opportunities in aviation and
aerospace: Now, therefore, be it
Resolved, That the House of Representatives--
(1) honors the accomplishments of Barrington Irving, the youngest
pilot and first person of African descent ever to fly solo around the
world and founder of a nonprofit organization that inspires youth to
pursue careers in aviation and aerospace;
(2) encourages young people and minorities to pursue educational
opportunities in preparation for careers in aviation and related
industries; and
(3) encourages museums throughout the Nation related to aviation to
commemorate the historic achievements of Captain Barrington Irving.
Attest:
Clerk.