Our Story
Red Tail Academy, Inc. officially launched June 2020 as a 501(c)(3) in Kansas City with the mission to create opportunities to expose, educate, and mentor underrepresented youth (ages 12-18) in the aviation field. Red Tail Academy was founded by local pilots and aviation enthusiasts who are passionate about helping youth overcome the many barriers into the world of aviation. ​​​
Our Inspiration
Red Tail Academy is inspired by the Tuskegee Airmen. The Tuskegee Airmen were a group of African American military aviators who overcame adversity to become one of the most distinguished units of World War II, flying dangerous missions across Europe and North Africa and earning an outstanding reputation—especially as bomber escorts with their iconic red-tailed aircraft—while disproving racist assumptions about their abilities. Their excellence and courage contributed to Allied success and helped drive momentum toward desegregation in the U.S. military, influencing reforms under leaders like Harry S. Truman and leaving a lasting legacy of perseverance, skill, and progress toward equality.
Our Vision
To see a vibrant aviation industry with a well educated and trained workforce
composed of individuals from diverse ethnic backgrounds and cultures.
Our Logo
Our logo pays homage to the Tuskegee Airmen, who painted the tail of their planes red with yellow tabs. The shape of the tail comes from an eagle's tail, representing stability. The eagle symbolizes vision, leadership, confidence, and overcoming any obstacle.
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Red - Strength, passion, determination
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Blue - Sky, confidence, stability