During an annual Black Pilots of America General Membership meeting, I had the privilege of interviewing one of New York’s living legends, Les Morris. I intended to gain knowledge firsthand about the barrier-breaking organization NAI (Negro Airman International), as well as BPA (Black Pilots of America). After speaking with Mr. Morris, I was not only humbled and inspired, but I was genuinely amazed. I wanted to know more about Morris, president of NAI for 12 years and one of the founders of Black Pilots of America. Mr. Morris was the very first president of BPA.
Mr. Morris was born on February 7th, 1937. He attended Brooklyn Technical High School. Of the school’s seven engineering programs, he chose Aeronautical Studies. His very first hour of flight was a graduation gift from his father. That flight was about $5 in 1955 at Zahn’s Airport in North Amityville, which was noted as eventually becoming one of the busiest general aviation airports in the country during its time of operation. This young aviator would go on to not only serve his country as a fighter pilot in the USAF, but he also served in the New York National Guard. Morris worked as an Air Traffic Controller, Radar Controller, and Crew Instructor. He was also an FAA Check Airmen. When I asked him about flying in its entirety, Mr. Morris said that his time in the military as a pilot would be the most fun and not like work at all.
Mr. Morris would meet the love of his life in 1958. His beloved Virginia was also a fascinating and intelligent lady. She was an engineer for Western Electric, a pioneer who was partly responsible for installing the phone systems at the Empire State Building. She was also in management at AT&T. They have one son, four grandsons, and three great-grandsons (one has a fund love of aviation). They lived in Green Valley, Arizona, in the home they fell in love with on-site in 1985. Mrs. Virginia Morris transitioned in July of 2018. When asked how long he was married, he replied 59 years,11 months, and 15 days, but who’s counting?”. It’s safe to say that Mr. Morris has had two extraordinary loves in his life. His undying love for aviation is only rivaled by the love of his wife, Virginia.
Mr. Morris made history in 1965 as the first Black Captain for Eastern Air Lines, which he flew with for 27 years. When asked if he faced any adversities, Captain Morris stated that he was treated with the utmost respect and was supported in all of his endeavors, both personally and professionally. He flew the Constellation, also known as ” the Connie,” during his time with Eastern. After his time there, he went on to work for Pan Am as a Chief Pilot and ended his professional career as a Check Airman for Flight Safety International from 1993 to 2016 at the age of 81 years old. In 2017, he was recognized by the FAA as a Master Pilot. He has flown countless aircraft, from his first Piper Cub, the F-86, T-33, L1011, DC-9, Lear-60, L-1049, and Boeing 727, 757, to name a few.
Les Morris is not only a philanthropist. He is a visionary. He began a program over 50 years ago to help young aviators get started with their flying ambitions. This program is still going strong today. Some of the attendees of this program are currently leaders in the aviation industry. The program is called the Les Morris Summer Flight Academy.
To meet Mr. Morris is to meet a class act, and yet a very cool guy. He is not only still driving but is very sharp mentally and physically. He enjoys seafood and a nice glass of wine from time to time. He is still very active in aviation, working with the youth with the Black Pilot of America as the Financial Chairman. He works with the Buffalo Soldiers and is active in Investment Clubs. He has served as acting president for his Air Force Cadet Class and was among the first inducted into the Black Aviation Hall of Fame.
I asked Mr. Morris what had been his most satisfying experience, and his reply was “introducing people to aviation.” When questioned about his biggest regret, he said that he could not expand the Annual Summer Flight Academy offered by BPA. His passion for aviation is so strong that after the interview, he gave me advice on my training. He recommended and encouraged me and hundreds of other aviators at every level. It was a pleasure speaking with Mr. Morris, and I am proud to stand on his shoulders.
