Aviation - Lewis University Faculty Experts

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Special guest Lou Freeman, Lewis University’s Executive Director of Flight Operations, continues to share his experiences from over three decades as a professional pilot. The US Air Force Veteran was the first black pilot for Southwest Airlines and the first black chief pilot for any major U.S. airline.

Freeman discusses how he settled into his career as a Southwest Airlines pilot. He shares how the September 11 attack changed the ways flying is perceived.

Dr. Christopher White, Dean of the Lewis University College of Aviation, Science, Technology, and Dr. Mallory Havens, Lewis University Associate Professor of Biology, talk with the humble trailblazer about his history-making accomplishments.

History-making Lou Freeman, Lewis University’s Executive Director of Flight Operations, shares his experiences from over three decades as a professional pilot.

Being in the midst of the Vietnam War, Freeman initially had no plans to join the Air Force. However, his drive to pass the pilot section of the Air Force ROTC exam led to him being the first Black pilot for Southwest Airlines and the first Black chief pilot for any major U.S. airline.

Lewis University Faculty Experts

Category Archives: Aviation

SCIENCE COAST S2 Ep 38 – First Black Pilot for Southwest Shares His Life Story – Part 2

SCIENCE COAST S2 Ep 37 – First Black Pilot for Southwest Shares His Life Story – Part 1