Anthony Oshinuga
Nigerian-American
Aerobatic + Competitive Air Race Pilot
Interview: with Defining Cultures
Website: airoshi.com
Instagram: @anthonyoshinuga
Nigerian-born Anthony Oshinuga is someone to watch out for in the aerobatic world. From humble beginnings, he continues to tread through life with his eyes set on becoming the first African-American Red Bull Air Race pilot.
At the tender age of 5, Anthony was drawn into the world of aviation after watching airplanes takeoff and land during father-and-son visits to the local airport. And at 12, Anthony watched the hit movie, Top Gun, and was inspired by the beautiful sport of flying. Although the film sealed his fate for becoming a fighter pilot, Anthony’s mom was not having it! As quick as his dreams rose, it was shut down due to a mom’s parental instinct that calls for her children to avoid any potential harm.
Anthony would go on to attend and graduate from the University of California, Riverside, with a degree in mechanical engineering in 2006. The same year, he used his specific skill set in the healthcare industry – taking on pharmaceutical consulting jobs to help pay the bills, while earning his private pilot certificate and taking aerobatic lessons on the side. Anthony was now an adult, and was set on making his dreams a reality.
By 2013, Anthony launched Airoshinuga – his own flight touring business that he manages and runs at The Jet Center in Southern California. In addition to flying in a 1949 Cessna 170a for his sightseeing flights, he purchased “….a custom pitts special s-1s light aerobatic biplane dubbed “Black Hawk” for races and aerobatic competitions.”
With his eyes set on becoming a Red Bull Air Race pilot, Anthony has so far proved that dedication, and countless hours of flying practice, is the best bet to getting him there. In 2014, Anthony placed 4th out of 25 in his category, at the U.S. National Aerobatic Competition. And in 2015, made history at the Reno National Championship Air Race, by becoming the first African-American rookie pilot to hold a first place position after his 3rd heat. This outstanding achievement allowed him to place 2nd in the overall competition!
Some of Anthony’s current and past sponsors include: Sirius XM, Concorde, Poly Fiber Aircraft Coatings, Executive Flight Institute, Alpinestars, Bose and Epic Fuels. And he currently volunteers with Young Eagles – a program dedicated to giving youth (ages 8-17) their first free ride in an airplane.
Sources: AOPA, Epic Aviation and anthonyoshinuga.com