Learning Center Our Enshrinees

Charles Alfred “Chief” Anderson

• In 1932, Anderson became the first African American to receive an air transport license.
• Completed first transcontinental round trip flight by black pilots from Atlantic City, New Jersey to Los Angeles, California with Dr. Albert E. Forsythe.
• Served as the as the Chief Civilian Flight Instructor in Tuskegee, Alabama for its new program to train black pilots. He developed a training program, taught the first advanced course, and earned his nickname, “Chief.”
• Was selected by the Army as Tuskegee’s Ground Commander and Chief Instructor for aviation cadets of the 99th Pursuit Squadron, America’s first all-black fighter squadron which would eventually join three other squadrons of Tuskegee Airmen in the 332nd Fighter Group, the “Red Tails.”
• Provided ground and flight training to black and white students under the G.I. Bill, as well as Army and Air Force ROTC cadets. Anderson instructed students until 1989.
• In 1967, Anderson co-founded Negro Airmen International.