Lack of Funds Could Ground Hampton Flight Team During National Competition

By David Paulk
Black College Wire

Photo credit: Stephanie Johnson/Hampton Script The flight team jacket of senior Michael Morris.

Hampton University's Flight Team could be grounded for a third consecutive year, unable to fly in a contest considered the pinnacle of aviation competitions, unless the Hampton administration provides financial assistance, according to the university's Aviation Department.

Hampton University is the only HBCU that qualified for the National Intercollegiate Flying Association's National Safety and Flight Evaluation Conference, to be held April 27 to May 1 at Middle Tennessee State University in Murfreesboro, Tenn.

"The last time I went to the nationals, Norfolk State University must have been 90 percent of the minorities there," said flight team coach Darryl Stubbs, who also serves on the flying association's board of directors.

The competition gives Hampton the chance to "prove to the world that not all pilots are white," said Linda Newcomb, an associate professor of aviation.

Students showcase their skills as individuals and as team members while competing in land and air events.

The conference also gives students a chance to network with military, commercial airliner and aviation school representatives.

"This is my career fair," said Jonathon Turman, flight team co-captain.

The team has attempted to raise the estimated $15,000 needed for the trip but continues to come up short. Costs include renting two airplanes, housing and practice time, said flight team coach Darryl Stubbs, an associate aviation professor.

Only after placing < a href="http://www.hamptonu.edu/News_Publications/2003_2004_22_flight_team.htm" target="_blank">third in the Region 10 competitions did the team earn a spot at the nationals to compete against 30 schools. Hampton supported the team financially during the regionals.

The team has been forced to decline the conference for the past two years when, Aviation Department Chair Carey L. Freeman said, the university's travel funds were frozen.

Stubbs said a request to go to SAFECON was made in early December. As of press time, Hampton University had not responded.

"It's not just about showing up, it's about safety and preparations," said Stubbs.

"I've seen schools at the competition that were unable to perform effectively because they were drained from fundraising," he said.

"The flight team has earned the right to attend SAFECON," Stubbs continued. "Denying the team an opportunity to compete is like denying the football team a shot at the national title."

"If we don't get a response soon, we will have to inform the team next in line to give them ample time to prepare." Next in line is Lenoir Community College in Kinson, N.C.

Doretha Spells, Hampton vice president for business affairs and treasurer, did not return calls for an interview, but her secretary said Spells would look further into the situation.

Terrance Allen, a senior flight education major from San Francisco, said he felt frustrated.

"I was under the impression that the deal was if we won the regional, Hampton would assist with preparations for the nationals," Allen said.

"If Hampton University were to help us out, it would be an excellent marketing tool for the school," said Michael Morris, team co-captain and a senior flight education major from Florissant, Mo.

Newcomb, an air traffic controller and Hampton associate professor, maintains she is optimistic. "I just have a feeling that we're going to attend, she said.

David Paulk is a student at Hampton University who writes for The Hampton Script.

Posted March 15, 2004