About – Fly Compton Foundation

Fly Compton is dedicated to increasing the number of black and brown pilots in aviation.

Tuskegee Airmen studying maps in Tuskegee, Ala., 1942. Afro Newspaper / Gado / Getty Images

Mission

The mission of Fly Compton Foundation is to provide opportunities for underprivileged youth in the Compton community to explore and pursue their passion for aviation. Through mentorship, educational programs, and access to resources, we aim to empower these young individuals to dream big and soar high in their future careers. Our goal is to inspire, educate, and uplift the next generation of pilots and aviation professionals, creating a positive impact on their lives and the community as a whole.

Our Story

Fly Compton Foundation was founded in 2020 by a group of African American professional pilots and aircraft mechanics that all had a common goal—to give back to and invest in the youth of our community. Concurrently, we are contributing to the diversification of an industry that has long been exclusive to individuals of a higher economic status.

Founders

Each Founder of Fly Compton has overcome obstacles and broken through barriers to become professionals in the aviation industry. It is not only our responsibility, it is also our duty to remove those barriers for the next generation of aviators. Here at Fly Compton our motto is “Lift as you Climb”.

Alex Barker

Demetrius became a pilot at age 40 after boarding a commercial flight and seeing two African American men in the cockpit. He is now a Contract Pilot and flies corporate jets, specifically the Gulfstream IV (G4) and Hawker 800 XP.

Demetrius D. Harris

Jabril Miller currently works for SpaceX as a quality inspector and is a former instructor at Spartan College. Jabril’s goal has always been to provide an affordable flight program to the community.

Jabril Miller

Brian Monette is a Compton native and currently works for Silver Air as a Gulfstream 550 Captain. He strives to inspire anyone who has an interest in aviation. Brian believes in paying it forward to people who are unaware because we have all been there ourselves.

Brian Monette

Ronnel Norman is a Compton native and a Captain for Alaska Airlines. He has been in aviation for 20 years. His passion for aviation extends to wanting to expose the community to all the opportunities aviation has to offer.

Ronnel Norman

Michael Sherrill, a Compton native, currently works as a First Officer for FedEx. He has been in aviation since the age of 13. He has been fortunate to accomplish multiple career goals with the help of friends and mentors he’s met at the Compton Airport. Mike does it for the kids!

Mike Sherrill

Jonathan Strickland is a Captain for United Parcel Service. He has been in aviation for 14 years. Jonathan was able to catapult his career in the right direction at a very young age and he is confident that with the right resources provided, he could help provide these opportunities to others.

Jon Strickland

Board Members

DEMETRIUS D. HARRIS
President

JONATHAN STRICKLAND
Vice President

MICHAEL SHERRILL
Treasurer

CARLA NORMAN
Secretary

Khalilah Ali
Camelia Barkley
Desobry Bowens
Donovan Burns
Kellee Edwards
Precht Galloway
Christa June
Philip June
Jelani Kelly
Tony Marshall
Paul Rubio