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Approximately thirty years ago, two pilots, Leonard Mackrel and Marlon Johnson sought to create an avenue for African American pilots to network and share their passion for flying.  In 1979 they met and decided to form the association.  Leonard Mackrel became the first chapter president, thus making American history, and creating The California Black Aviation Association (CBAA).

The CBAA began as a social club for general aviation pilots.  On April 5, 1982, the CBAA was incorporated as a nonprofit organization.  These aviators of color were now taking their recreation club to a new level.  In addition to just having fun, they added to their agenda a mission to encourage and support African Americans in the pursuit of careers and job opportunities in aviation.  Since the addition of this objective, several members have gone on to enjoy professional careers in the commercial and corporate aviation.

Beginning in 1992, under the leadership of then-President Darryl Mack, the club membership began to increase.  Mack believed  strongly in aviation safety and emplasized safety at every meeting.  He also believed in the importance of African American pilots networking, not only in Los Angeles, but across the nation.

Soon CBAA members began to discuss other ways in which they could give something back to the community.  Arthur Lee Bennett Jr., Daryl Cullins and Melanie Cannady wanted specifically to expose young people to the achievements of blacks in aviation.  Thus, in the spring of 1994, they created and organized the first annual "African-American Aviation Awareness Day" at Compton Airport.  Now in its eighteenth year, the name has evolved into simply the "Compton Air Fair".

Today, the California Black Aviation Association continues to be basically a flying club.  Our membership includes Certified Fixed Wing PilotsHelicoptor pilots, Airline Pilots, Jet Pilots, Student Pilots, Flight/Ground Instructors and Sky Divers, as well as Air Traffic Controllers, FAA Officers, A & P Mechanics and Aerospace Engineers.

Safety always remains an important topic that's discussed at every meeting.  In 2009, CBAA celebrated its 30th anniversary.  The Flight Safety Officer is Charles "Chuck" Reece.