06/03/2026
Congrats to Carson!
✈️ We’re proud to highlight Capt Sax Foundation scholarship recipient, Cason Brinkley.
At just 17 years old, Cason is already building an incredible future in aviation. A recent graduate of Cleveland Central High School in Mississippi, he has balanced academic excellence, leadership, service, and flight training with remarkable discipline and determination.
Cason’s passion for aviation began at age 9, after a Southwest Airlines pilot invited him into the cockpit following a family flight to Florida. That brief act of kindness sparked a dream that quickly became a mission.
Since then, Cason has immersed himself in aviation opportunities across the country through programs with organizations including OBAP and BPA. He has logged more than 40 flight hours, earned his Student Pilot Certificate, and became the youngest African American to solo an airplane in Mississippi in July 2024 - an achievement later recognized in the Congressional Record by U.S. Representative Bennie Thompson.
Beyond aviation, Cason has served as class president, maintained an outstanding GPA, participated in numerous leadership organizations, and spends Sundays leading worship through music at church.
This fall, Cason plans to continue his aviation training through Tuskegee University’s LIFT Academy, where he will work toward his instrument, commercial, and multi-engine ratings as he continues pursuing his goal of becoming a commercial airline pilot.
Cason, we are honored to support a small part of your journey. Your discipline, faith, leadership, and love for aviation are already inspiring others, and we are excited to see where aviation takes you next.
Keep reaching for the sky.
“𝘞𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘈𝘭𝘭 𝘞𝘦 𝘋𝘰, 𝘞𝘦 𝘏𝘰𝘯𝘰𝘳 𝘏𝘪𝘮”
𝐒𝐞𝐦𝐩𝐞𝐫 𝐅𝐢 & 𝐆.𝐀.𝐒
The Capt Sax Foundation helps students and pilots continue training, pursue certifications, and build meaningful careers in aviation.
