Meet A’Janay Lurry, One Of The Youngest Licensed Black Female Drone Pilots In The Country

ABC 7 Chicago reports that a group of Corliss High School students became licensed drone pilots. Following weeks of preparation, they passed the FAA Drone Pilot Exam.

The students were honored at a school assembly after knocking out the 60-question test.

Among the drone pilot students is A’Janay Lurry, who is one of the youngest licensed drone pilots in the U.S., per CPS.

According to Big Thought, less than three percent of certified drone pilots are women of color.

“It is kind of like playing a video game and I love video games,” Lurry shared, according to the outlet.

Lurry was also honest about the challenges that come with flying drones.

“It is sort of difficult, especially with the sectional chart and the runway,” she explained to the outlet. 

“It is a great opportunity and an amazing learning experience,” Lurry also explained.

The senior student is looking to major in engineering next year for her undergraduate studies. Additionally, Lurry will fly drones to help out with her college tuition.

Although the drone pilot program started years ago at Corliss High School, it took some time for the youth to hop onboard. Now, knowing of the possible career opportunities at hand, the students aim to help others to tap in. 

“The goal is to try to educate as many of the students who want to get into this emerging technology as possible,” instructor Brandon Parks said.

“It is really one of those things you wish you forgot how to do just to have the first time feeling again,” Turner said. “It is very inspiring just to have something like this at a small school like Corliss.”