High Flyers: Torrington Ford stands out from the crowd
Ford poses outside of Ohio State University Airport. Photo provided by Torrington Ford.
By: Ezekiel Acheampong
Walking through an airport, it’s not unusual to see a pilot passing by. But if you keep your eyes peeled, you might notice a distinct lack of diversity in the industry. Making up only 3 percent of commercial airline pilots, Black men are significantly underrepresented in aviation.
But dire statistics couldn’t stop Torrington Ford, a third-year in air transportation, from following his dreams. In fact, it motivated him.
“Originally, I wanted to be an aerospace engineer because my childhood dream was to be an astronaut,” Ford said. “As I got older, I realized I don’t really want to go to space, I just wanted to fly.”
From an early age, Ford excelled in school, and by the time he was 15, even held an associate’s degree. He credits his competitive nature for his ability to stand out from his peers.
“I was always driven by progress as a kid. I’ve always tried to out-do what my last achievement was. So even when I was a kid, I would always try and get my mom to start something early (academically),” Ford said.
Although Ford didn’t begin pilot training until 2019, he said going up into the air is one of the most gratifying experiences he’s ever had.
“It’s the most peaceful, gratifying, glorious feeling of pure freedom a person could experience. It’s beautiful. It doesn’t hit you till you fly alone for the first time. When it’s just you on a nice sunny day, that’s when you start to realize how beautiful it is,” Ford said.
Although his ultimate goal is to break down racial barriers and become an advocate for inclusion and diversity in the field, Ford said his college experiences have already helped him realize his next steps.
“OSU is one of the best places in the world to help you prepare for the real world. Meeting a lot more driven and like-minded people gives you something to reflect on﹘it gives you a mirror,” Ford said. “You see more people hustling and it makes you want to do better. Because of OSU’s business and alumni core, I know more business owners and pilots.”
His mother, Tarita Ford, said as a single mom of a young and gifted Black male, it’s been a blessing to see him grow into the man he is today.
“I pray Torrington’s journey brings God honor and glory as he inspires others to reach their God-ordained purpose. I am truly a proud Black momma,” Tarita said.
Now, Ford looks forward to an internship with Delta Airlines, where he will be working to attain a private pilot license. After some time as a pilot, Ford plans to open up his own airline one day.
“At the end of the day, I want to own an airline. The way I look at it, piloting for me is almost like a stepping stone. A smaller piece of a much bigger puzzle,” Ford said. “To be a Black man owning an airline in the future, that would change the course of the industry.”
As for any advice Ford has for those looking to follow - or fly - in his footsteps, he said no matter what happens, no one should give up on their dreams.
“Don’t let a thing stop you. No matter what it is, make it happen,” Ford said.