Cleared for Takeoff
A Pilot's Memoir of Purpose and Resilience After 9/11
$45.95
- Hardcover
288 pages
- Release Date
4 August 2026
Summary
In this inspiring memoir, a Black woman pilot leading the way for others shares her journey of fulfilling a lifelong dream to fly—and how she rediscovered her passion in the face of tragedy and adversity.
Captain Nia Gilliam woke up on September 11 ready to soar. Having dreamt of the skies since she was a child, Gilliam grew up believing nothing was out of reach. But what starts as a beautiful day to fly turns into a harrowing experience. While waiting to be cleared for takeoff, Gilli…
Book Details
| ISBN-13: | 9798217087464 |
|---|---|
| Author: | Captain Nia Gilliam |
| Publisher: | Random House USA Inc |
| Imprint: | Storehouse Voices |
| Format: | Hardcover |
| Number of Pages: | 288 |
| Release Date: | 4 August 2026 |
| Weight: | 391g |
| Dimensions: | 140mm x 210mm |
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Critics Review
“Cleared for Takeoff is a powerful reflection of a young Black woman who dared to claim space where there was none and who, in the face of tragedy and transformation, found her way back to herself. This book moved me deeply. It is a story of purpose, perseverance, and the enduring power of belief.”—Kamilah Forbes, former executive producer, The Apollo Theater
“Cleared for Takeoff is the deeply personal story of Captain Nia Gilliam, a pilot who navigated both the heights of a glass ceiling–shattering career and the turbulence of a world in crisis. From the chilling silence of the Newark runway on 9⁄11 to Gilliam’s courageous decision to step away from the pilot’s seat for her own battle for survival, her journey defines resilience. A must-read memoir about purpose, identity, and the strength required to soar when the world feels grounded.”—Amy Marino Spowart, president and CEO, National Aeronautic Association
“For the Black women who followed her as pilots and for all of us in aviation and beyond who know that competence and passion come in so many different forms, you will be inspired, as am I, by Nia and her story.”—Greg Principato, president, FAI World Air Sports Federation
Captain Nia Gilliam
Captain Nia Gilliam is an accomplished airline pilot with over twenty-five years of experience. A trailblazer in aviation, she co-founded Sisters of the Skies, a nonprofit dedicated to increasing Black female pilots. Her contributions have earned her numerous prestigious awards and media recognition. Her story has captured the attention of major media such as CBS News, the Essence Disruptors Series, and Marie Claire. A Chicago native now living in Houston, she is a breast cancer survivor, champion for representation in aviation, and proud mother of two.
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