Larry Parker

Background

About Larry Parker

Larry Parker UPS (Retired) Captain Captain Parker was hired as the first African American line pilot for Altar Airlines in 1978 and served as Captain on the Beech-99, Nord-262 and the Folker F-28 aircraft. In 1982 Captain Parker was hired as a line pilot for Peoplexpress Airlines. While at Peoplexpress he served as B-727 Captain, Simulator Instructor and Company Recruiter. In 1986 Continental Airlines acquired Peoplexpress Airlines where he continued as a Boeing 727 Captain. UPS started their airline in 1988 where Captain Parker was hired as a Flight Qualified Supervisor. During this time Captain Parker worked with the pilot hiring team that was responsible for hiring the first 800 UPS Line Pilots. For over three decades with UPS he has held numerous positions with growing responsibility including Boeing 727 Instructor Check/Airman, Classic B-747 Chief Pilot, Louisville Chief Pilot and Airbus A300 Chief Pilot. In 2017 Captain Parker had to retire from a flying status and is currently working as a UPS Pilot Recruiter and Airbus A300 Simulator Check/Airman. Captain Parker retired from UPS February 2022 after 34 years. Captain Parker has been a dedicated member of the Organization of Black Aerospace Professionals since 1978. Captain Parker has served as the National Vice President for 2 terms, has been on the Board of Directors and currently on the Board of Advisors. In 1994 he founded the Shawnee High School/OBAP Summer Aviation Camp in Louisville, Kentucky, referred to as the ACE (Aerospace Career Education Academy). Captain Parker holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Professional Aeronautics, from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. Captain Parker is married with 4 stepchildren and 8 grandchildren