FLY COMPTON FOUNDATION NEWSLETTER Q1 2025

We’re excited to reconnect and share what’s new with our organization. A lot has happened since our last update, and we have plenty of exciting developments to showcase!

Meet Our Growing Team

We’ve recently welcomed several new faces to the Fly Compton family, each bringing unique skills and energy to help us reach new heights.

Jennifer – Executive Assistant

Jennifer is our new right-hand support, managing schedules, communications, and ensuring smooth day-to-day operations


Rosa – Operations & Volunteer Coordinator

Rosa will be coordinating volunteer activities and helping oversee the logistical side of our operations.


Youssef – Junior Flight Instructor

Yusef joins us as a seasoned instructor, bringing years of experience and passion for teaching budding pilots.

Mayceo – Junior Flight Instructor

Mayceo supports flight training, assisting our senior instructors and guiding students through their initial flight lessons.

Exciting News & Announcements

1. New Website is complete


We’ve developed a brand-new website to make it easier to access information about our programs, upcoming events, and registration. Stay tuned for more details and the official launch date!

2. Long Beach Airport Expansion


We’re thrilled to announce that we’ve secured space at Long Beach Airport!


This new location will enhance our ability to serve more students and host more hands-on training sessions.

3. Potential Acquisition of New Aircraft


As we continue to grow, we’re exploring options to acquire additional aircraft. This will allow us to offer more flight rotations, reduce scheduling bottlenecks, and ensure our students gain more in-flight experience.


If you know of any aircraft donation opportunities or good leads, please reach out to us!



New Cohort & Enrollment


We’re proud to welcome our latest group of students into the Fly Compton family:

90

Students Enrolled

57

New Students

40

Returning Students

What Our Students Are Learning:

February Recap: Aerodynamics

  • Four Forces of Flight: Students learned about lift, weight, thrust, and drag—how each force is generated and how pilots manipulate them.
  • Longitudinal (Pitch) Stability: We examined how weight distribution affects pitch, stability, and overall aircraft control.


March Focus: Aircraft Systems

  • Systems Overview: Much like the human body, aircraft have multiple “organ systems,” such as:
  • Powerplant (engine)
  • Fuel delivery (induction system)
  • Ignition (where fuel is burned)
  • Hydraulics, electrical, and more!


Group-Specific Plans:

  • Groups A & C will learn about flow checklists in VR to help them monitor the aircraft’s vital systems during flight.
  • Groups B & D will dive into the basics of different engine types—combustion, jet, and rocket—and observe their operations in various airplanes.


VR Training & “The Rules”

  • We’ve introduced procedures training with VR headsets in sync with our ground school lessons, allowing students to practice checklists and flight procedures on their own.
  • This semester, dubbed “The Rules,” emphasizes how things work and which regulations govern them—covering how airplanes fly, how engines produce thrust, and the rules we must follow to make that happen safely.



Next Semester: “The Tools”

  • Building on “The Rules,” we’ll introduce practical problem-solving skills, like calculating weight and balance or addressing in-flight challenges. Students will learn how to apply these tools to ensure safe, efficient flights.



Honoring Black History in Aviation

We recently took time to celebrate Black History Month by highlighting trailblazers who impacted the world of aviation—particularly those tied to Compton Airport’s rich heritage.


Fun Fact: Compton-Woodley Airport has a hidden history of Black aviators who broke barriers and inspired future generations to soar. Read More Here

As Fly Compton continues to evolve, we stand on the shoulders of these pioneers, using their stories to inspire our students to aim higher and dream bigger.



What’s Next?

  • Potential Aircraft Acquisition: We’re on the lookout for new or gently used planes. If you or someone you know is interested in donating or selling an aircraft, please contact us!
  • Student Spotlight: Keep an eye out for upcoming profiles of standout students. We love sharing their success stories and encouraging others to follow their lead.
  • Second Saturday Activities: We’re brainstorming a group activity for B & D cohorts. Stay tuned for more details on that special hands-on experience.




Student Highlights & Updates

K'Veon Woods

We want to take a moment to highlight one of our dedicated students, K'Veon, who was preparing to join our Solo Camp this summer. Unfortunately, he is currently hospitalized in the ICU at Children’s Hospital due to injuries from an incident involving police while he was riding a motorized scooter. He has secured legal representation, and new information is emerging as the situation develops.



Our hearts go out to K'Veon and his family during this difficult time. We encourage our community to remain attentive as we learn more and determine how best to support him. We will stay in touch with Demetrius for updates on any actions or calls for community support.



Thank You to Our Partners

We couldn’t do this without the support of our amazing partners and sponsors. Your generosity helps us continue to grow and empower the next generation of aviators.

Special Shout-Out to our sponsor for the event at Compton Airport last October. Your contributions helped make that day a success for our community.

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