(NEXSTAR) – Captain Lindsey Jeffries Jones has made history as the first African American female helicopter pilot for the North Carolina National Guard.
Her achievements are celebrated in the Trailblazing Women exhibit at the Sullenberger Aviation Museum.
Captain Jones, a native of Raleigh, North Carolina, has served as a pilot, platoon leader, commander, operations specialist, author, motivator, therapist, and role model.
With eight years of experience as a UH-60 Blackhawk pilot, she most recently piloted the Lakota helicopter for the Army and National Guard.
“If a woman’s face does not come to mind when you think of a pilot, that already lets you know you have a pre-conceived notion of who is best suited for this,” said Captain Jones. “Erase those notions. Write your own future.”
Captain Jones considers it a privilege to serve her country as a helicopter pilot and commander while simultaneously serving her community as a licensed clinical mental health counselor.
She provides daily fitness motivation through photoshoots and workout videos.
In her book, “Level Your Wings,” she draws parallels between her two professions as a therapist and pilot, emphasizing the tools needed to survive in each.
Her exhibit display at the museum showcases her uniform, boots, and gloves, symbolizing her role as a trailblazer in a traditionally male-dominated field.
Captain Jones has served as a role model in the NC Army National Guard for 17 years, eventually becoming its first, and still only, African American female helicopter pilot.
She hopes her exhibit inspires young girls to pursue their dreams, regardless of preconceived notions about who can become a pilot.
“When little girls see that exhibit, I want them to know that me, little Lindsey, as a private first class, I didn’t know I was going to be a pilot,” said Captain Jones. “I want them to know you do not have to know everything you’ll do in the future. Just take the first step.”
Her message to young girls is clear: “There was a Black lady and she can fly, and she doesn’t look like the normal depiction may be, but that could be me as well.”
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