Minorities are underrepresented in the aviation industry. More than 90% of professional pilots identify as White males. While research has identified this phenomenon, little qualitative research exists to understand low retention's driving factors. This phenomenological study sought the experiences of minority graduates of collegiate aviation flight programs to explore factors contributing to their success or acting as barriers to persistence. The responses of 12 collegiate flight program graduates identified mentorship, financial aid, and support from family, friends, administrators, and organizations to play a dominant role in Underrepresented Minority (URM) success. The largest barrier to persistence was the high cost of flight training. Additional barriers included navigating higher education as a first-generation college student, entering college with little social capital, and circumnavigating institutional program structures. [The dissertation citations contained here are published with the permission of ProQuest LLC. Further reproduction is prohibited without permission. Copies of dissertations may be obtained by Telephone (800) 1-800-521-0600. Web page: http://bibliotheek.ehb.be:2222/en-US/products/dissertations/individuals.shtml.]