The Flying Diamonds, founded by Kyla Wilson, is transforming aviation training for women with resilience and skill.
In the high-stakes world of aviation, the sky represents both challenge and opportunity, offering endless possibilities for those ready to pursue them. Kyla Wilson, founder of The Flying Diamonds, is paving the way for women in aviation with a movement designed to foster both technical proficiency and mental resilience.
A Leap of Faith Into the Skies
Kyla’s journey into aviation is a story of transformation, combining personal and professional growth. As a single mother balancing the demands of two full-time college programs, an engineering career, and raising her young son, Kyla remained determined to pursue her dream of becoming a pilot. Her path into aviation began unexpectedly, sparked by a question from an Air Force ROTC Lieutenant Colonel: “What about becoming a pilot?”
“I was juggling college, an engineering job, and motherhood,” Kyla recalls. “But that question sparked a fire within me. Despite not having a family legacy in aviation or seeing many women like me in the cockpit, I made the decision to take a chance.”
From that moment, Kyla’s life took a new direction. She transitioned from engineering blueprints to the thrill of aviation, overcoming numerous obstacles such as racism, financial struggles, and unsupportive instructors. Kyla’s first discovery flight to Greenville-Spartanburg marked a key turning point, and her passion for aviation grew when she was captivated by the precision of F-35 aerobatics at an airshow. These experiences sparked a path that would propel her from a mother and student to an influential figure in aviation.
The Birth of The Flying Diamonds
The Flying Diamonds is more than just a flight organization and brand, it’s a movement. The organization seeks to create a supportive space where women from all backgrounds can become confident, skilled pilots. Kyla, now an emerging airshow performer, recognized the need for an aviation training program that balances technical skills with life lessons in resilience, focus, and confidence.
“At The Flying Diamonds, we don’t just encourage women to fly; we help them build unbreakable confidence. We focus on both the technical aspects of flying and the mental strength needed to succeed in aviation,” Kyla explains. “Our goal is to prepare women not just for the cockpit, but for life’s challenges beyond it.”
The metaphor of the diamond is central to the organization’s philosophy. Just as diamonds are formed under pressure, each Flying Diamond is shaped through life’s challenges to become stronger and more brilliant. This approach sets The Flying Diamonds apart from programs that focus solely on technical skills without fostering the mindset required to thrive in the aviation world.
Overcoming Adversity to Inspire Others
What truly makes The Flying Diamonds stand out is Kyla’s leadership and personal story. As an emerging airshow performer, her experiences in high-pressure life battles have greatly influenced the program’s approach to training. Kyla’s firsthand knowledge of the demands of aviation provides a unique, performance-oriented edge to The Flying Diamonds.
“I want to show women everywhere that they can become a Flying Diamond not because its easy but because one bold decision turns pressure into power and writes your name in the sky,” Kyla says. “Despite challenges like race, financial hardships, and unsupportive environments, I pushed through. I want other women to know they can do the same.”
Through her mentorship, Kyla is developing an environment where women are encouraged to surpass their own limits. Her leadership and dedication to empowerment have earned her recognition from notable figures in aviation, including the first Black female pilot at United Airlines and the first Black female pilot to fly the C-130 in the Air Force. Her efforts have also been recognized through the “Eagle Scholarship Award”, The Collegiate Member of the Year”, “Warrior of the Year”, and deemed most resilient amongst her peers.
Training Women for More Than Just Flight
The Flying Diamonds’ platform will uniquely blend technical skills with personal growth. In addition to encouraging women to fly, or simply be a part of Aviation. The program emphasizes life lessons such as patience, focus, and maintaining a resilient mindset, qualities that are essential for navigating both aviation and life’s challenges.
“We’re building unbreakable spirits,” Kyla explains. “Aviation is a tough field, but mastering your mindset means mastering any obstacle. We want women to leave our program equipped with the technical expertise to fly anything and the mental resilience to face whatever comes their way.”
The organization’s mission will be further supported by the development of a state-of-the-art training academy, featuring advanced simulators and mentorship programs tailored to women. This academy will help accelerate the journey from novice to expert aviator, providing more accessible pathways into aviation for women around the world.
The Mission: 500 Flying Diamonds
As part of her mission, Kyla aims to introduce 500 women to their first discovery flight by the end of next year, providing them with an entry point into aviation. Supported by sponsorships and partnerships, Kyla is dedicated to making aviation more accessible for women.
“We’re not just training pilots; we’re creating diamonds in this world, and showing women the beauty, strength and value that they pose,” Kyla asserts. “We want women to see themselves as pilots, and capable of accomplishing any dream they dare to dream. Our goal is to break down the barriers that have kept women out of aviation.”
The Flying Diamonds is also committed to creating lasting change in the aviation industry by seeking partnerships and funding to support scholarships, training programs, and events that will elevate the next generation of female aviators.
A Call to Action: Join the Movement
Kyla’s message is simple: Decisions determine your destiny. “It’s the choices we make that set us on the path to destiny and greatness,” she says.
The Flying Diamonds are more than an organization and brand , it’s an opportunity to join a movement and become part of something larger. Whether you’ve always dreamed of flying or are taking your first step into aviation, The Flying Diamonds are here to guide you.
For more information on training programs or to book a discovery flight, or sponsor the next diamond visit The Flying Diamonds at www.theflyingdiamonds.com. You can also follow Kyla and The Flying Diamonds on Instagram at @theflying_diamond and Facebook at Kyla Young’s Facebook.
