Goals
The goals of OBAP are to motivate our youth to become educationally prepared for life, to increase minority participation in aviation through exposure, training, mentoring, and scholarships; to encourage networking among black pilots; to increase the number of black pilots hired by airlines; and to assist the black airline pilot with special needs and concerns.

Our goals continue to evolve and expand, although sometimes complicated by a myriad of obstacles. The airline industry is in an increasing state of flux for which OBAP must adapt and plan. The deregulation turmoil that has shaken the staid, complacent majority pilot group since early 1980, has been an even greater impact upon the minority population. OBAP has worked diligently since its inception to increase the black population in the airline ranks and is determined to build an airline hiring pool which is both inclusive and expansive.

Currently, working in cooperation with several airlines, government agencies, and other private organizations, we have three basic programs:

	The Aviation Career Education (ACE) Program.
	The Professional Pilot Development Program (PPDP).
	The Type Rating Scholarship Program.

Highlights & Accomplishments
OBAP has had many accomplishments during its short existence. Most importantly, it has allowed black pilots, and their families from many airlines to meet, exchange ideas, fellowship, and form a camaraderie that could never have existed without its creation. Through networking, many black pilots' applications have been helped through the processing maze that may have otherwise been doomed to obscurity.

OBAP has been able to initiate mutually beneficial contacts with CEOs, vice-presidents of flight operations, and personnel officers. Many politicians, educators, entertainers, business experts, clergy, and others have met with and assisted OBAP members. Black aviation, through OBAP, has been spotlighted in the print and broadcast media, both locally and nationally. Some examples of these features include articles in AP Press releases, BLACK ENTERPRISE, CNN News, EBONY, TONY BROWN'S JOURNAL, and local television interviews. OBAP also assisted in establishing the "BLACK WINGS" exhibit at the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, D.C. which features black aviation pioneers, including some OBAP members.

OBAP has established a scholarship fund to carry out a variety of philanthropic acts. The resources are raised through fundraising activities and voluntary contributions. The proceeds are used for educational and aviation training. One special project is sending students to the summer flight academy, founded by Eastern Airline Captain Les Morris and Mr. Albert Abdool. This summer camp is two weeks of intense aviation education, discipline, and flying. The students get approximately ten hours of flying time and most of them solo.

Future Vision
OBAP has not and will not rest upon these accomplishments. The organization will expand its horizon and continue to fine tune its operation to meet the challenges ahead. OBAP has enclosed a membership application for all who share and will support its ideals to build a better America for everyone.

If you are interested in joining The Organization of Black Airline Pilots, please use our online membership application form.