By Fred L. Jones, Jr.
Eagle Staff Writer
fjones@theoklahomaeagle.net
Native Tulsan Malorie Ligons is soaring above the earth, literally. As a pilot for United Airlines, she has gone were only a few African American women have gone before. Ligons a graduate from Booker T. Washington High School in Tulsa is one of Tulsa norths greatest alumnus. Ligons story is one of courage and valor. We asked Malorie Ligons to share a brief biography of her journey to become a female pilot in a male dominated industry.
Ligons stated, “I was born and raised in North Tulsa,Okla. I am the daughter of Marcus and Mildred Ligons, and I have one older brother Marcus Ligons Jr. I attended Walt Whitman Elementary, Carver Middle School, and Booker T. Washington High School where I was part of the Robotics team. My junior and senior year at BTW, I also attended Tulsa Technology Center where I completed the Aviation Maintenance Program and received my A/P license.”
Ligons also said, “After high school, I attended Tulsa Community College where I completed my associate degree in Aviation Science. I then moved to Florida where I received my flight training at Aerosim Academy, and after one year of completing all my ratings I became a Flight Instructor. While instructing, I earned a bachelor’s degree in Professional Aviation with a minor in Safety at Embry Riddle Aeronautical University. I then went on to my first airline job at United Express in Newark, NJ. There I continued to build more hours and experience and became Captain. To build more hours and take the next step, I was hired by Allegiant Airlines.”
Ligons went on to say, “While working there, I took online classes at Delta State University where I completed my master’s degree in Commercial Aviation. Now, I’m currently employed with United Airlines, engaged to my wonderful, fiancé Dresden Evans, and living my dream. I love to travel and explore different countries, it’s never a job when you love what you do.
