Celebrating Black History Month - Captain Jeff Mabry is Building a Path for the Future

Mentoring and inspiring the next generation of pilots has become a passion for PSA Captain Jeff Mabry. A long-line of family aviators continually push him to give back to the community.

“I’ve been following my uncle’s footsteps since I started flying in 2007,” said Jeff.

Jeff’s uncle, Captain Albert Glenn – a former chairman for the Organization of Black Aerospace Professionals (OBAP) and retired FedEx 777 captain – played a key role in influencing his path.

Jeff takes pride in representing the two percent of African Americans in the aviation industry. To him, being a captain means progress.

“Every day, when I fly an aircraft, I’m very thankful and humbled to have the opportunity to do so.”

Jeff is driven to pass along the same kind of support he received from his family to youth in his community. Last summer, his uncle, Albert, started the Luke Weathers Flight Academy in Olive Branch, Miss. Jeff immediately contributed to the mission by serving as a certified flight instructor.

He also serves as a mentor for the Memphis ACE Academy, which is tailored to spark interest in high school students by introducing them to the various aviation career fields Memphis has to offer.

I get to share my experience with new instructors and students with the goal of fueling their interest in becoming an airline pilot, said Jeff. “A highlight is to see students take on the task to fly solo and  further their training to become airline or military pilots.”