The first African American chief pilot, Louis Freeman, is retiring after 37 years.

After making history and helping so many others along the way, at the age of 65, Freeman is ready to spend more time with his wife.

Freeman is leaving an amazing legacy behind and has inspired many along the way.

Freeman became a pilot in 1980 as Southwest’s first African American pilot and then in 1992 he became the first black chief pilot of a major U.S. airline.

Because of Freeman, Brody Burnell knew at the age of 6 that he wanted to be a pilot. Burnell now 18 years old will be a licensed pilot in just a few months.

“I just graduated high school last week and I get my commercial pilot’s license in two months or so, Burnell said.

“It’s been an amazing 37 years. I can’t believe it came this fast,” Stephanie Freeman, his wife, said.

By simply following his dreams, Freeman inspired so many along the way!

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P7hHz7pun4g]