George G. London

George G. London is a retired United States Air Force 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]

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]

London entered the U.S. Air Force in 1971 and flew in the Vietnam War. He was selected for test pilot training after a decade of operational flying, he was selected for the elite U.S. Air Force Test Pilot School. He served as co‑pilot on the first flight of the C‑17 Globemaster III on September 15, 1991, helping usher in this key transport asset 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]

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.^[4]

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.^[1]

• 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.^[5]

Col., U.S. Air Force (Ret.)

Command Pilot Badge

• 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][6]
• 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.^[4]
• The PR Newswire article confirmed his award and cross-aircraft experience.^[5]

Colonel London is among 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. His career contributed to increasing representation of African Americans in 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 years as a physics educator and mentor, reflects a lifelong commitment to expanding opportunity in aviation and STEM fields.

• C-17 Globemaster III
• United States Air Force Test Pilot School
• STEM education
• Edwards Air Force Base