Draft:Jamail Larkins

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Jamail Larkins
Born (1984-01-30) January 30, 1984 (age 41)
Augusta, Georgia, U.S.
NationalityAmerican
Occupation(s)Aviator, entrepreneur, public speaker
Known forSoloing an aircraft at 14 in Canada; FAA's First Ambassador for Aviation and Space Education, Named the #1 Entrepreneur on INC Magazine's 30 Under 30 in 2009

Jamail Larkins (born January 30, 1984) is an American aviator, entrepreneur, and public speaker. He is known for soloing an aircraft at the age of 14 in Canada, becoming one of the youngest American pilots to do so.[1] Larkins later founded aviation-related businesses and has served as the first Ambassador for Aviation and Space Education for the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) since February 02, 2005. He has been profiled by USA Today, Forbes, and Black Enterprise, and testified before the United States Congress on general aviation issues.

Early life and education

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Larkins grew up in Augusta, Georgia, and developed an interest in aviation in childhood, inspired by flight simulator programs and a visit to US Space Camp, he volunteered with the EAA Young Eagles program.[1] At age 12, he took his first flight with the EAA Young Eagles Program. In 1998, after being denied a waiver to solo in the United States before the legal age, he traveled to Canada, where regulations allowed him to solo a powered aircraft at 14.[2]

Career

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While in high school, Larkins started his first entrepreneurial venture, Larkins Enterprises, Inc., and earned a commercial pilot's license before graduating high school. In 2000, at 16, he became the first student pilot to solo the Cirrus SR20 at 16.[3]

Larkins attended Embry–Riddle Aeronautical University, where he studied Aviation Business Administration.[4] In 2002, Larkins was certified as an Airshow Pilot [1] and was the opening act for several airshows headlined by the U.S. Navy Blue Angels. He became one of the few airshow performers to ever perform aerobatics on national prime time television, when he appeared on The Late Show w/ David Letterman. In 2005, he was appointed the FAA’s First Ambassador for Aviation and Space Education by FAA Administrator Marion Blakey.[5] As the FAA's Ambassador for Aviation education, he raises awareness of aviation career opportunities & promotes youth engagement in aviation across the United States.[6]

In the early 2000s, Larkins founded an aircraft leasing and management business. In 2006, he founded Ascension Aircraft, which leases aircraft primarily to flight schools & universities. [7]

In 2025, Larkins lead the development of AviationStart, an aviation industry initiative to connect aspiring pilots, airplane mechanics, air traffic controllers, and other aviation professionals to resources to start a career in aviation.

Advocacy and public speaking

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Larkins has spoken at conferences, schools, and corporate events, often focusing on career pathways in aviation, entrepreneurship, and STEM education. He has served as a spokesperson for the EAA Young Eagles Flights program and has been active in aviation outreach.[8]

In 2011, he testified before the U.S. House Committee on Small Business, discussing the role of general aviation in supporting small businesses and the economy.[9]

Recognition

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  • Named Inc. magazine’s “#1 Entrepreneur on the "Inc" 30 Under 30" in 2009 (2003)[10]
  • Forbes “30 Under 30” in Manufacturing & Industry (2012)[7]
  • Listed in Black Enterprise “40 Next” (2011)[4]
  • Named one of Goldman Sachs’ “100 Most Intriguing Entrepreneurs” (2012)[11]
  • Embry-Riddle Student Jamail Larkins Named FAA's Ambassador for Aviation Education (2005)[12]
  • Featured in aviation exhibits at the Wings Over Rockies and Franklin Institute.
  • Featured in the aviation industry's Be-A-Pilot Campaign.

Media coverage

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Larkins has been featured in USA Today, Forbes, Black Enterprise, Plane & Pilot, Aviation Week, and AOPA Pilot, and has been named to The Grio’s 100: History Makers In the Making in 2010.[1][7][4][13]

References

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  1. ^ a b c d Ben Mutzabaugh (2003-04-18). "From teen pilot to aviation entrepreneur" (PDF). USA Today. Retrieved 2025-08-15.
  2. ^ "Flying Solo at 14". Plane & Pilot. 2003-05-01. Retrieved 2025-08-15.
  3. ^ "Defying Gravity". Aero-News. 2000-09-12. Retrieved 2025-08-15.
  4. ^ a b c "40 Next: Jamail Larkins". Black Enterprise. 2011-03-15. Retrieved 2025-08-15.
  5. ^ "A young man shows kids how to aim high". NBC Nightly News. 2006-04-26. Retrieved 2025-08-15.
  6. ^ "Forbes honors Larkins". AOPA News. 2012-01-06. Retrieved 2025-08-15.
  7. ^ a b c "Jamail Larkins: Forbes 30 Under 30". Forbes. 2012-01-02. Retrieved 2025-08-15.
  8. ^ "Meet Jamail Larkins". TheGrio. 2011-02-21. Retrieved 2025-08-15.
  9. ^ "Is the Small Business Administration Meeting the Needs of Small Businesses?". House Committee on Small Business. 2011-03-30. Retrieved 2025-08-15.
  10. ^ "30 Under 30: America's Coolest Young Entrepreneurs". Inc. 2003-06-01.
  11. ^ "Goldman Sachs 100 Most Intriguing Entrepreneurs". Goldman Sachs Interview. 2012-10-01.
  12. ^ "Embry-Riddle Student Jamail Larkins Named FAA's Ambassador for Aviation Education". Aero-News. 2005-02-03.
  13. ^ "Corporate Angel Network Names Jamail Larkins as Ambassador". Aviation Week. 2024-05-10. Retrieved 2025-08-15.
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