A Dream of Flight Becomes a Reality
The Dream Flight program got the FAA’s Justin Biassou hooked on aviation when he was 12 — now he’s sharing the experience with the next generation.
As the Federal government continues to invest in aerospace and aviation industries, unique opportunities like Delta Airlines’ Dream Flight Program showcase different pathways to recruit the next generation of pilots, aviation engineers or technicians, and even future astronauts. This summer, more than 70 students from Aviation Career Education (ACE) and Solo Flight academies in Atlanta, Georgia, boarded a special Boeing 757–200 flight from Atlanta-Hartsfield Jackson International Airport to Duluth Air National Guard Base in Minnesota. The chartered flight called the “Dream Flight,” was co-sponsored by Delta Airlines and the Organization of Black Aerospace Professionals, or OBAP.
The Dream Flight program was paused for two years due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but this year, students aged 13 to 18 attending the Atlanta academies had the opportunity to fly to Duluth and watch a demonstration by the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds, while learning from the very pilots who flew them there.
This year’s Dream Flight was a special one for Justin Biassou, a community engagement officer at the FAA who is currently leading stakeholder engagement initiatives for the Office of International Affairs. As a member of OBAP Board of Directors, Justin serves to facilitate the organization’s mission and goals to develop the next generation of aerospace professionals. He is also on the Diplomatic Perspective board and volunteers with the Black Pilots of America-Red Tail Hawks Chapter which allows him to interact with aspiring aviators through numerous outreach events and mentoring activities in Seattle.
“This Dream Flight has come full circle for me. It is so exciting to see these kids truly experience the same excitement and passion that I had as a kid going through ACE camp,” said Biassou.
Over 20 years ago, Justin participated in a Dream Flight with the ACE Academy in Atlanta where students flew to Washington, D.C. to explore Smithsonian’s National Air & Space Museum.
“To see these students thrive in an environment where opportunities and resources are limited makes it all the reason why I am committed to making an impact in aviation and STEM for those following behind me,” said Biassou.
He remembers when a TV commercial aired advertising to students from the Atlanta metro area to participate in the region’s ACE Academy. His excitement for the opportunity to fly couldn’t be contained and his parents encouraged him to call and get more information about the camp. Soon enough, at the age of 12, Biassou was enrolled in the camp, and his journey to join the pilot ranks was becoming a reality. He earned his private pilot’s license at 17 going on to become a multi-engine instrument rated pilot.
Today, Biassou, a Harvard international affairs graduate candidate, shares his knowledge and inspires students in communities around the world on the myriad of opportunities in the aerospace sector needed to build a diverse and inclusive aviation workforce.
ACE Academies provide unique summer aviation education programs for elementary, middle and high school students who are interested in aviation and aerospace. The program provides students with a wide range of aviation career exploration experiences and also focuses on Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM). Go to faa.gov/education for more information about FAA programs and to find an ACE Academy near you.
