About
Fly for the Culture is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization that was created to serve young people interested in pursuing aviation-related professions across the United States. Through exposure, outreach, education, training scholarships, mentorship, and where needed, advocacy—Fly for the Culture will become a driving force in the effort to expand diversity within the aviation industry and mitigate forecasted pilot shortages.
Founder & CEO
Courtland Savage is the founder of Fly for The Culture, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that focuses on promoting diversity within the aviation industry. Before devoting his work to Fly for The Culture, Courtland served his country as an enlisted Air Force Reserve Crew chief on the C-17 Globemaster in Charleston, SC and as an Officer in the U.S. Navy where he flew the F/A-18 Super Hornet as a Winged Naval Aviator. Prior to serving his country Courtland became a license pilot at the age of 17, as a senior at East Gaston High School in his hometown of Mount Holly, NC. Throughout his military career, Courtland experienced a significant lack of diversity, especially as an aviator. This experience fueled his desire to establish Fly for The Culture, an aviation culture which is for everyone.
Courtland spent two and a half years as an airline pilot on behalf of United Express, based in Newark, NJ. After leaving the airlines Courtland founded Savage Aviation a aviation staffing an consulting company. When Courtland isn’t flying or managing Fly for The Culture, he enjoys traveling to new places, networking, reading, and spending time with family.
Board of Directors
Algen Albritten
Dr. Suchindran Chatterjee
Ashely Flanagan
E Sean Lanier
Dr. Eddie Tiggs
Clarence Garden
Mila Pustel
Dr. Thurmon Deloney II
Courtland Savage
Mission
The mission of Fly for the Culture is to promote and increase diversity within the aviation industry through exposure, outreach, improved access, and the elimination of barriers to equal opportunity.
Vision
Through the continued development of outreach programs, initiatives, and the establishment of key partnerships, Fly For The Culture strives to make the world of aviation accessible and affordable to all pilots regardless of race or ethnicity and to make a positive impact on the aviation community.