Zack Anglin went from being turned away by flight schools to teaching students how to fly.
Born in Nigeria without hands or feet and adopted by an American family, Anglin pursued an aviation career that required both training opportunities and regulatory approval.
A school that offered a path
Spartan College’s account of his career describes repeated medical-certification denials and rejection by multiple schools.
At Spartan, he earned pilot certifications and later became a flight instructor at its Tulsa campus.
That achievement reflects demonstrated flying skills and completion of the relevant requirements. Disability alone does not determine whether someone can operate an aircraft safely.
Recognition in 2025
The college reported that Anglin was honored at the Aviation Week Network Laureate Awards in Washington, D.C., on March 6, 2025.
The available institutional account supports his career and the award. Exact counts of rejected applications and the claim that he was the world’s first commercial pilot born without hands or feet would require additional independent documentation.
Keeping those distinctions clear preserves the significance of what is established: Anglin gained professional credentials and used them to train other pilots.
His story also highlights the role of an institution willing to assess an individual’s abilities and provide a workable route into a demanding profession.