About

Fly For the Culture, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that serves young people interested in pursuing professions in the aviation industry throughout the United States. Through exposure, outreach, education, training scholarships, and —where needed— advocacy, Fly For The Culture will become a driving force 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 promotes diversity in the aviation industry. Courtland became a licensed pilot at 17 as a senior at East Gaston High School in his hometown of Mount Holly, NC. Before devoting his focus to Fly for The Culture, he 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 became a winged Naval Aviator. He is now an airline pilot based in Charlotte, NC. 

Throughout his military career, Courtland experienced a significant lack of diversity, especially as an aviator. This experience fueled a desire to share his passion for aviation with diverse communities. Since the introduction of Fly For The Culture in 2018, Courtland has reached millions worldwide through social media and major networks such as CNN, FOX, ABC, CBS. He has personally taken over 100 individuals from diverse communities flying for their first time in a Cessna 172 or Socata TB-10 while participating in multiple aviation events throughout the country. 

Courtland has a Bachelor of Science in Aeronautics from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. He was featured on the 2020 Ebony Power 100 list and a 2020 Distinguished 400 Awardee from the 400 years of African American History Commission. 

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.