Final answer:
Barrington Irving was inspired to become a pilot after being invited to sit in the cockpit of a commercial airplane by a Jamaican airline pilot when he was 15. The correct option is d)sitting in the cockpit of a commercial airplane.
Step-by-step explanation:
The question refers to what inspired Barrington Irving to become a pilot. The context provided in the reference materials does not directly mention Irving's inspiration. However, based on common biographical narratives about Barrington Irving, it is known that his interest in aviation was sparked when, at age 15, he met a Jamaican airline pilot who invited him to sit in the cockpit of a commercial airplane.
This experience is widely cited as the pivotal moment that inspired Irving's pursuit of aviation. The reference materials instead discuss notable historical aviation figures such as Charles Lindbergh and Bessie Coleman, and a brief career background of an English major and veteran who eventually dedicated his life to writing and teaching.