Brenda E. Robinson is the first black woman to earn her wings of gold as a naval aviator. Robinson was the 59th female to enter naval flight training program September of 1979 and became the 42nd to earn her wings, June 6th 1980 in Corpus Christi, TX. Brenda was the second woman in history to carrier qualify; landing her C-1A on USS America, January 1981.

Brenda's first flight

Brenda Robinson was born 1956 and grew up in North Wales Pennsylvania, the only daughter of Susan and Edward Robinson. At the rightful age of 9 yrs old Brenda was interested in all things aircraft travel related. When she was 11 years old her father promised to send her out to Illinois (by Plane) to visit her cousin if she got good grades. She did! So Brenda took her first airplane ride from Philadelphia to Chicago on United Airlines. This is where her story begins.

Studying Aeronautics at Dowling College

Brenda was one of five women studying Aeronautics of 2000 students while at Dowling College. She is the first black woman in Dowling's history to graduate with a degree in Aeronautics. In 1978 she was selected as one of 10 women in the nation by the Navy to start boot camp followed by flight training. She is the first black woman in the history of the US Navy to graduate (AOCS) Aviation Officers Candidate School and was commissioned Ensign (equivalent to the Army's second lieutenant). Completion of flight school in June of 1980 she earned her wings and was the focus of this historic Navy event.

The young aviator

She currently resides in Charlotte NC and is a Speaker at schools and events all over the nation. She has authored about and teaches goal achievement and lessons learned from her unique life and career.

On the aircraft carrier John F. Kennedy