Fly Compton Foundation

What Fly Compton Foundation does

Fly Compton Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization founded in 2020 in Compton, California, by seven African American professional pilots and aircraft mechanics. It delivers aviation education, STEM programming, mentorship, and flight training to underrepresented youth ages 8-18 in underserved communities, operating primarily from Compton-Woodley Airport (KCPM) with ground school sessions hosted at the California State University, Dominguez Hills Innovation Center in Carson, CA. The foundation runs a tiered enrollment system (Tier 1 ages 8-12 at $425/year, Tier 2 ages 13-16 at $800/year, Tier 3 ages 17+ at $1,250/year) paired with in-person and online ground school, structured flight training at $155/hour on Cessna 172 aircraft, and specialized offerings including the Torqued Up! five-station maintenance workshop, Fly Couture S.T.E.A.M. camp, Aviation Maintenance, Drone, Engineering, and Private Pilot Summer Camp programs, with the Fly High SKYLAB coding/technology program announced for 2026.

Name

Fly Compton Foundation

Legal name

Fly Compton Foundation

Website

https://flycomptonfoundation.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

2020

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

Fly Compton Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that delivers youth aviation training, STEM education, and mentorship to underrepresented Compton-area youth ages 8-18 through ground school, Cessna 172 flight training, and specialized programs, founded in 2020 by African American professional pilots.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Youth Aviation Education

NAICS

Flight Training (611512), Other Technical and Trade Schools (611519)

SIC

Services-Educational Services (8200)

akta.pro primary industry

Aviation & Aerospace (EDABALAC)

akta.pro secondary industries

Robotics & Engineering Summer Camps / Bootcamps (EDAMADAF), Drones, UAVs & Aerial Robotics Programs (EDAMADAJ)

Keywords

• Youth aviation education
• Flight training programs
• STEM aviation curriculum
• Private pilot license
• Community aviation nonprofit

Headquarters

HQ city

Compton

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices3 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Program Enrollment Fees: Tiered enrollment fees for youth aviation programs: Tier 1 ($425/yr ages 8-12), Tier 2 ($800/yr ages 13-16), Tier 3 ($1,250/yr ages 17+), and Alumni membership ($500/yr). Payment plans available. Core revenue stream funding flight training, ground school, and operational costs.
2. Donations and Grants: Charitable donations from individuals and grants from corporate partners (Alaska Airlines, Boeing, Broad Foundation) fund scholarships, aircraft maintenance, and operational costs. Many programs offered at little to no cost to participants.
3. Merchandise Sales: Online store selling branded merchandise including hoodies ($55) and t-shirts ($35). Proceeds directly fund simulator time, discovery flights, and aviation programs.
4. Aircraft Rental: Affordable flight training at $155/hour for Cessna 172 with no membership fees. One of the lowest rates in Los Angeles County.
5. Corporate Sponsorships: Sponsorship opportunities for businesses to support student journeys toward pilot certification, with recognition at events and in communications.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels6 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

Fly Compton Foundation provides tiered youth aviation education programs (ages 8-18) including in-person and online ground school, hands-on flight training in Cessna 172 aircraft, aircraft maintenance workshops, drone and engineering programs, and a Private Pilot Summer Camp. Programs are delivered at Compton-Woodley Airport and CSUDH Innovation Center, with supplementary merchandise sales and donor/sponsorship funding. The foundation also operates an adult-focused Aero Club sub-brand offering affordable aircraft rental and flight instruction.

Product overview

Fly Compton Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization offering a portfolio of youth aviation education programs for students ages 8-18. The core offerings consist of In-Person Ground School and Online Ground School for aviation theory, paired with Flight Training for hands-on piloting experience. Additional specialized programs include Torqued Up! (aviation mechanics workshop), Fly High SKYLAB (technology/coding program launching 2026), Fly Compton Couture (S.T.E.A.M. fashion engineering camp), Private Pilot Summer Camp, Aviation Maintenance Program, Drone Program, and Engineering Program. Adult access is available through the Aero Club sub-brand offering aircraft rental and instruction. The organization also sells branded merchandise (hoodies, t-shirts) as a fundraising mechanism. All programs are designed to serve underrepresented youth in the Compton community, with tiered enrollment levels based on age (Tier 1: 8-12, Tier 2: 13-16, Tier 3: 17+).

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Fly Compton Aero Club: Adult flight program offering affordable rental aircraft and flight instruction for adults interested in flying.

Products and services

• In-Person Ground School Instructor-led aviation education session covering regulations, navigation, weather, aerodynamics, and safety through interactive lessons and real-time Q&A, designed to prepare students for flight training. Delivered at Compton-Woodley Airport and CSUDH Innovation Center for youth ages 8-18.
• Online Ground School Virtual aviation education platform delivering the same essential curriculum (regulations, navigation, weather, aerodynamics, safety) through digital lessons, videos, quizzes, and guided activities for remote learners ages 8-18.
• Flight Training Structured supervised program introducing young aviators (ages 8-18) to real-world flying with certified flight instructors in Cessna 172 aircraft, combining ground instruction with hands-on flight experiences learning basic maneuvers and cockpit procedures. Flight training rate of $155/hour is among the lowest in Los Angeles County.
• Torqued Up! Workshop Hands-on aviation mechanics workshop featuring five stations teaching students safety, aviation tools, flight instruments, aircraft model assembly, and real aircraft component identification on a Cessna 172. Designed to address the national aircraft mechanic shortage.
• Fly High SKYLAB Hands-on aviation technology learning experience where students build, code, and explore aviation technology, supplementing the classroom curriculum through interactive projects guided by CSUDH Physics Department. Designed for students enrolled in Fly Compton's aviation program.
• Fly Compton Couture 5-day S.T.E.A.M. summer experience where students explore fashion design, aerospace, and engineering by creating tech-enhanced flightwear with wearable technology including sensors, LED lights, and microcontrollers, culminating in a runway showcase. Cohort of 10 students.
• Private Pilot Summer Camp Immersive 8-week summer program for aspiring aviators featuring intensive ground school, flight planning, hands-on flight training with experienced instructors, simulations, and aviation activities designed to help students progress toward their Private Pilot License. Fully scholarship-funded.
• Aviation Maintenance Program Program introducing youth (ages 8-18) to aircraft systems through hands-on instruction covering inspections, tools, troubleshooting, and key aircraft components from engines to electronics, providing a pathway into STEM and aviation technician careers.
• Drone Program Program introducing students (ages 8-18) to unmanned aviation through hands-on flight, safety training, drone fundamentals, flight principles, navigation, and responsible operations with guided challenges and flight activities.
• Engineering Program Hands-on learning experience where students (ages 8-18) explore design, innovation, and problem-solving through real projects across multiple engineering disciplines from structures to circuits, strengthening critical thinking and STEM confidence.
• Fly Compton Aero Club Adult-focused membership program providing access to affordable aircraft rental and flight instruction, offering discounted rates for pilots continuing their training toward their Private Pilot License. $500/year or volunteer trade membership.
• Fly Compton Foundation Hoodie Mid-weight fleece hoodie (50/50 cotton-poly blend) featuring screen-printed logo, designed as a fundraiser where proceeds support simulator time, discovery flights, and aviation programs for Compton-area youth. Priced at $55.
• Fly Compton Foundation Logo Tee Premium t-shirt made of 100% combed-ring-spun cotton featuring screen-printed logo, sold as merchandise where proceeds fund aviation education programs. Priced at $35.

Quantifiable outcome

• 5,000+ attendees at annual Compton Air & Space Fair
• +4 more outcomes

Named customers4 records

Segments6 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature3 records

Partnerships

19 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Organization of Black Aerospace Professionals (OBAP)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 11 July 2025Hosting OBAP's 2025 Los Angeles ACE Academy at Fly Compton, providing full day of hands-on aviation learning for 35 students from across Los Angeles. Partnership creates pathways into aerospace careers for underrepresented youth.
• Southwest AirlinescoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerAviation industry partner supporting Fly Compton's mission to diversify the pilot workforce. Southwest Airlines contributes to youth aviation education and career pathway initiatives.
• BoeingcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerMajor aerospace partner supporting aviation education and workforce development. Boeing provides sponsorship for events and programs helping youth enter aviation careers.
• University of California, Irvine (UCI)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerAcademic partner providing educational resources, connections to university programs, and potential pathways for Fly Compton students.
• ToyotacoreGTM or Marketing PartnerFeatured in Toyota's 'After the Nudge' national campaign celebrating mentorship. Toyota supports Fly Compton through visibility and connections to broader audiences.
• Joby AviationminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerElectric aviation company supporting Fly Compton through sponsorship of events and exposure to future of aviation careers.
• NCBW (National Coalition of Black Veterans)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerVeterans organization supporting youth programs and providing mentorship connections in aviation and aerospace fields.
• Angel City Aerospace FoundationminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerFoundation supporting aerospace workforce development and providing resources for youth aviation education programs.
• Alaska AirlinescoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerMajor airline partner recognizing Fly Compton through Community CARES Award ($5,000 grant). Supports diversity in aviation and provides pathways for student pilots.
• United AirlinescoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerMajor airline supporting Fly Compton events and providing career pathway connections for students interested in commercial aviation.
• City of Los AngelesminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerMunicipal government supporting Fly Compton through recognition, permits, and partnership in community aviation events.
• Delta Air LinescoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerMajor airline partner supporting Fly Compton through sponsorship and providing exposure to aviation career opportunities for students.
• American Airlines Cadet AcademycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCadet academy partnership providing pathway for Fly Compton graduates into professional pilot careers with American Airlines.
• FedExminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCargo airline partner supporting youth aviation education and providing career pathway information for logistics and aviation careers.
• California State University, Dominguez Hills (CSUDH)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerUniversity partner hosting Fly Compton ground school at CSUDH Innovation Center. Physics Department provides instructors for Fly High SKYLAB program with Dr. Horace Crogman.
• SlingminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerAircraft manufacturer partner providing support for flight training programs and aircraft-related resources.
• LA Public WorksminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCity department supporting community programs and providing resources for Fly Compton's aviation education initiatives.
• Equity Space AlliancecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerSpace education partner collaborating on Space Zone at Compton Air & Space Fair. Janaa Griffin leads partnership bringing space professionals, astronauts, and aerospace education to Fly Compton events.
• Tomorrow's Aeronautical MuseumminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerAviation museum located at Compton-Woodley Airport providing historical context and living aviation history for Fly Compton students.

Scale indicators11 records

Recent moves8 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/fly-compton-foundation

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles12 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Fly Compton Foundation