“THE FACT THAT I CAN SHOW THEM A DIFFERENT OPPORTUNITY AT LIFE BRINGS SATISFACTION TO MINE. I WISH TO SHOW MANY KIDS IN THE UNITED STATES THE SAME THING.” —ISAIAH COOPER
ISAIAH COOPER
YOUNGEST AFRICAN AMERICAN TO FLY ACROSS THE US AGE: 17
To many, the idea of flying can be quite scary. To others, it’s merely a way to get from one place to another. To Compton-native Isaiah Cooper, flying is a sense of freedom and accomplishment. At the age of only 16, Cooper achieved a milestone last July, as he became one of the youngest people to fly across the United States. The 8,000-mile flight took two weeks, and though this is quite an accomplishment, Cooper is far from finished. He hopes to take his passion to the next level and become the youngest person to fly around the globe. 114 LOCALE MAGAZINE
Q: When did you want to become a pilot? Isaiah Cooper: I was a young kid, and I wanted to do it as a hobby. I was five or six years old at the time.
The fact that I can show them a different opportunity at life brings satisfaction to mine. I wish to show many kids in the United States the same thing.
Q: It sounds really scary! How do you keep calm and push forward? IC: I don’t really have moments of doubt. I’ve been in an accident before, so I’m ready for what flying brings.
Q: What advice do you have for kids on how to follow their dreams? IC: Stay focused, stay positive, stay around positive people who want to encourage you, and put your best foot forward in school. Everything you learn in school will help you in real life.
Q: Have you flown any of your family? IC: No. I don’t have a license yet, and on top of that, most of them are scared of planes, so it’s going to be hard. Q: Have you met any young children inspired by your adventures? How does it make you feel? IC: Oh, yes. Some will contact me online or through social media. I’ll sign autographs and take photos. I love inspiring them.
Q: How did it feel when you were flying 8,000 miles around the US? IC: I loved it. It’s a sense of freedom you won’t get from driving a car. I love flying through the clouds; it’s so exciting. Q: What do you have planned for the future? IC: I would actually like to open my own organization. Hopefully I can make it so kids can get the same chance I did.