Trailblazers of the skies: Historic Hispanic and Latino aviation pioneers

In honor of Hispanic and Latino Heritage Month, the Office of Civil Rights recognizes pioneers who shaped flight, policy and opportunity. Their contributions span military valor, engineering innovation and leadership that continues to elevate the aviation industry.  

Oscar F. Perdomo: The last “ace in a day” of World War II

Born in El Paso, Texas, Major Perdomo trained on the Republic P‑47 Thunderbolt and served with the 507th Fighter Group in the Pacific theater. On his final combat mission near present‑day Seoul, he downed five enemy aircraft in a single engagement, earning the title “ace in a day.” His Thunderbolt, nicknamed Lil Meaties Meat Chopper, carried an illustration honoring his young son. He returned to service during the Korean War and left active duty in 1958 as a major.  

Elwood Richard Quesada: Architect of modern aviation policy

“Pete” Quesada entered the U.S. Army Air Corps in 1925 and helped set endurance records with the Army C‑2 Question Mark flight, which stayed aloft for 151 continuous hours through inflight refueling. During World War II, he advanced air‑ground coordination and protected Allied forces during the invasion of Normandy. After retiring as a lieutenant general, Quesada became President Eisenhower’s Special Adviser for Aviation and the first FAA administrator, shaping foundational safety policies and modernizing air traffic control.  

Olga E. Custodio: Breaking barriers across military and commercial aviation

Born in Puerto Rico, Custodio completed undergraduate pilot training at Laughlin Air Force Base in 1980, graduating among the top 5% of her class. She became the first Latina to finish U.S. Air Force military pilot training and later the first female Northrop T‑38 instructor pilot at Laughlin and Randolph. After transitioning to the Air Force Reserves, she flew for American Airlines, amassing more than 11,000 flight hours across aircraft including the Boeing 727, 757 and 767, and the Fokker 100. She remains an advocate for women and underserved communities and is the first Latina inducted into the San Antonio Aviation and Aerospace Hall of Fame.  

Adriana Barragan: Innovator reshaping pilot training

Barragan’s journey — from learning English page by page to becoming a private pilot and Gulfstream engineer — reflects determination and vision. As co‑founder and CEO of Fly ORKA, she is building accessible tools that modernize pilot training and expand pathways for future aviators. Her story, shared on The Future in Flight podcast, highlights perseverance, innovation and a lifelong calling to flight.  

Honoring a legacy that continues to soar 

These stories represent only a small part of the vast contributions Hispanic and Latino aviation professionals have made to the United States. Their expertise, courage and leadership have shaped both the skies and the systems that sustain modern flight. As we celebrate their achievements, we honor the generations they inspire and those who will continue to break boundaries.