George G. London
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| George G. London | |
|---|---|
 LT. Col. George London, 6517th Test and Evaluation Squadron,.jpg London speaking on aviation education | |
| Born | Washington, D.C., U.S. |
| 🏳️ Nationality | American |
| 🏫 Education | University of the District of Columbia (BS, Mathematics) Graduate studies in aerospace engineering |
| 💼 Occupation |
|
| 👔 Employer | Bishop McNamara High School H.J. Aviation Columbia Training Centers |
| Known for | Advancing equity in aviation and STEM education |
| 🏅 Awards |
|
Military service | |
|---|---|
| Allegiance | United States |
| Service/ | United States Air Force |
| Years of service | 1971–1995 |
| Rank | Colonel |
| Unit | Air Force Flight Test Center |
| Battles/wars | Vietnam War, Cold War |
| Awards | |
| Other work | Aviation mentor, physics teacher |
George G. London is a retired United States Air Force Colonel, test pilot, and educator. He is recognized as one of the first African American test pilots in the U.S. Air Force and served as co‑pilot on the inaugural flight of the C-17 Globemaster III, a major strategic transport aircraft used by the U.S. military. After retiring from the Air Force, he became a high school physics teacher and advocate for diversity in aviation.[1]
Early life and education
George London was born in Washington, D.C. He earned a degree in mathematics from the University of the District of Columbia and later completed graduate coursework in aerospace engineering. He became one of the first African American graduates of the U.S. Air Force Test Pilot School at Edwards Air Force Base.[1]
Military service
London entered the U.S. Air Force in 1971 and flew missions during the Vietnam War. After a decade of operational flying, he was selected to attend the elite U.S. Air Force Test Pilot School at Edwards Air Force Base. He later served as co‑pilot on the first flight of the C‑17 Globemaster III on September 15, 1991, marking the debut of this key strategic airlifter for the Air Force.[2]
During his career, London commanded a unit of approximately 900 personnel and was widely regarded as “the first Black pilot of the Boeing C‑17.”[3][1]
First flight of the C‑17 Globemaster III
On November 15, 1991, Lt. Col. George G. London Jr. served as co‑pilot on the inaugural flight of the C‑17 Globemaster III at Edwards Air Force Base, marking the first operational sortie of the new airlifter.[4]
In later remarks, London called the C‑17 “probably the best airplane I’ve flown so far,” praising its performance and design.[4]
Awards and decorations
Below are the official insignia representing his military rank, qualifications, and decorations:
| Insignia | Description |
|---|---|
 |
Colonel (O-6), United States Air Force |
 |
Command Pilot Badge |
 |
Meritorious Service Medal |
Post-military career
Following retirement, London founded H.J. Aviation, a nonprofit that mentors youth interested in aviation careers, and later established Columbia Training Centers (CTC) to provide pilot training for underrepresented communities. During a 2023 episode of the Educating Empathy podcast, he described his work “training countless pilots” in his post-service career.[5]
He also taught physics for 17 years at Bishop McNamara High School in Forestville, Maryland, where he was recognized for making advanced scientific concepts accessible and engaging—particularly for students pursuing STEM fields.[6]
Legacy
Colonel London is among the first African American test pilots in the United States Air Force and served as co-pilot on the inaugural flight of the C‑17 Globemaster III. His career contributed to increasing the representation of African Americans in the military.[1]
His co‑pilot role on the inaugural C‑17 Globemaster III mission on September 15, 1991, is documented in official Air Force records and anniversary retrospectives.[2][7]
His founding of H.J. Aviation and Columbia Training Centers, along with his 17 years as a physics educator and mentor, reflects a lifelong commitment to expanding opportunities in aviation and STEM education.
Awards
SissyMarySue Equity in Teaching Award (2024) – Recognized for promoting equity in science education and mentoring underrepresented students in aviation and STEM. At the time, he had flown over 51 different aircraft types.[8]
Media coverage
- A 2024 feature by WUSA9 highlighted his role as one of the first Black test pilots and his post-service work as a teacher and mentor.[1]
- Air Force Materiel Command and Air Mobility Command documented his participation in the inaugural C‑17 flight.[2][9]
- A 20th-anniversary interview video was released by DVIDS where he discussed the aircraft’s development.[7]
- Featured in the Educating Empathy podcast describing his Vietnam service, leadership, and mentorship.[10]
- The PR Newswire article confirmed his award and cross-aircraft experience.[8]
See also
- C-17 Globemaster III
- United States Air Force Test Pilot School
- STEM education
- Edwards Air Force Base
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 "Meet one of the Air Force's first Black test pilots". WUSA9. March 5, 2024. Retrieved June 7, 2025.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 "Air Force's First C-17 Takes Last Flight Over Skies of Edwards". Air Force Materiel Command. Retrieved June 7, 2025.
- ↑ "Access and Inclusion in Aviation: A Conversation with Mamie Lanford Singleton and Colonel George London". Buzzsprout (Podcast). May 5, 2023. Retrieved June 7, 2025.
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 "Globemaster III: Acquiring the C‑17" (PDF). Air Mobility Command. Retrieved July 14, 2025.
- ↑ "Access and Inclusion in Aviation: A Conversation with Mamie Lanford Singleton and Colonel George London". Educating Empathy (Podcast). SissyMarySue Education Fund. May 13, 2023.
- ↑ Hernandez, John Henry (May 7, 2023). "Former Air Force pilot teaches physics at Bishop McNamara High". WUSA9. Retrieved July 14, 2025.
- ↑ 7.0 7.1 "C-17 20th Anniversary". DVIDS. Retrieved June 7, 2025.
- ↑ 8.0 8.1 "Macy's Inc. sponsorship of the SissyMarySue Education Fund event celebrating equity in education". PR Newswire. 2024. Retrieved June 7, 2025.
- ↑ "Globemaster III: Acquiring the C-17" (PDF). Air Mobility Command. Retrieved June 7, 2025.
- ↑ "Access and Inclusion in Aviation: A Conversation with Mamie Lanford Singleton and Colonel George London". Educating Empathy (Podcast). SissyMarySue Education Fund. May 13, 2023.
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