Business: Integrating the Cockpit

Airline pilots' jobs are among the highest-paying in all U.S. business—and, until recently, among the hardest for Negroes to land. Only an estimated 51 of the roughly 35,000 pilots of the major U.S. airlines are black. Now would-be Negro pilots will gain a new ally. Trial Attorney F. Lee Bailey announced that he will open a flying school for blacks near Boston on Jan. 1, with an initial class of 25. He intends "to force a showdown with the airlines, which are not hiring black pilots on grounds that they cannot find a 'qualified man.' My guys will be qualified."

...

Want the full story?

Subscribe Now

Subscribe
Subscribe

Learn more about the benefits of being a TIME subscriber

If you are already a subscriber sign up — registration is free!