Compton teen becomes youngest African-American to fly over continental US

COMPTON, Calif. (KABC) -- A 16-year-old Compton teen has made history by becoming the youngest African-American to pilot an airplane around the continental U.S.

Isaiah Cooper landed at the Compton-Woodley Airport around 10 a.m. after traveling more than 8,000 miles in 13 days. In the beginning of his journey, Cooper ran into a little trouble but did not give up.

While flying through Wyoming, he faced extreme wind shear and was forced to land and switch planes. He said quitting was never an option for him.

"Just stay focused. There's a lot of people that will try to detract you from the road that you're on," he said. "Whatever you want to do, you can do it, just put your mind to it."

He added he has no plans to take it easy after completing his record-breaking trip. His next goal is to fly around the world solo when he turns 18, which would be another record.