Founded in 1995 by a tripartite coalition that included the then-Westchester/LAX Chamber of Commerce, the Aero Club of Southern California and the Southern California Historical Aviation Foundation, Flight Path Learning Center was created with a dual purpose:

1. Preserve the rich aviation/aerospace history and heritage of Southern California; and

2. Encourage and support young people in pursuit of aviation/aerospace education and careers. FPLC's Mission Statement is:

The Flight Path Learning Center Of Southern California is dedicated - through public awareness - to recognizing and preserving Southern California's aerospace heritage as well as for guiding individuals and young people and their education paths towards careers in science and technology with emphasis on aviation/aerospace.

FPLC has historical and current affiliations with public and private organizations and supporters based in the LAX vicinity. The Flight Path Walk of Fame was kicked off in 1995 with Honorary Chair Brigadier General Charles "Chuck" Yeager as keynote speaker. Yeager, who broke the sound barrier for the first time in 1947 in the sky over the Southland, was one of the six initial honorees. A ceremony at FPLC's Aviation Rotunda in 2001 brought to 32 the total of pioneers whose "body of work" helped ensure Southern California world leadership in aviation/aerospace.

FPLC, now an independent, non-profit corporation, has encouraged the public's interest in aerospace as well as counseling young people about advanced education resources and opportunities in Southern California. FPLC's long range plan is to provide an integrated learning complex including hands-on Aeronautical/Aerospace Science learning center and an aerospace education facilitation service integrating disparate Southern California learning centers - at all levels. This guidance facilitation service will be coordinated with - and through - area educational institutions: high schools, trade schools, magnet schools, community colleges and advanced universities.

Following a search of more than six years, FPLC is now working in collaboration with Los Angeles World Airports (LAWA) to establish a Flight Path Learning Center - and FPLC headquarters - at what has been LAX's Imperial Terminal. The Center is expected to open in July 2003.

FPLC has held a series of annual Galas celebrating aviation's heritage and to support the organization's objectives. FPLC's six Galas - 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001 have attracted both aviation buffs and the general public. A seventh Gala is planned for 2003, honoring the many aviation milestones in the past 100 years of powered flight as well as the 75th Anniversary of LAX.

Gala I was themed Big 50 because it celebrated the 50th anniversary of the move of five major airlines to what is now LAX; the Golden Anniversary of the United States Air Force; and 50 years of NASA Dryden at Edwards AFB in the high desert.

Gala II theme was Aviation and the Stars...a salute to Jimmy Stewart. A specially-produced Warner Brothers video chronicled aviation's heritage plus Jimmy Stewart's wartime and film career. Bob Hoover, famed test and demonstration pilot, was the honored guest.

Theme of the third Gala was Spaceblazers, saluting those who pioneered in space exploration. Pete Conrad (in what may have been one of his final public appearances) and Dick Gordon, two of the three-man Apollo 12 crew, were on hand. In addition, the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) was honored.

The fourth Gala saluted Women in Aviation. Honored guests included recognition of 36 pioneering women who set standards for today's aviators. Recognition was highlighted by the appearance of 94-year-old Bobbi Trout who flew in the 1929 Powder Puff Derby and set endurance records in the 1920's-30's above Mines Field plus then-95-year old Katherine Cheung, the first Asian American woman to be a licensed pilot. Pioneering women airline pilots were recognized. A dramatic video was shown of historic, early days, up to today's astronaut Colonel Eileen Collins, first woman space shuttle commander.

The fifth Gala - with its theme, "The Art of Aviation" - was an artistic, dramatic and eye-appealing success. The work of 18 aviation artists and photographers was on display. The invitation and printed program were the art for the 1929 National Air Races held at what was then Mines Field (now LAX).

The sixth Gala celebrated the 75th Anniversary of the Spirit of Lindbergh. The event was highlighted by actual footage of the 1927 Lindbergh flight as well as the Warner Bros. film with Jimmy Stewart in the role of Lindbergh. Celebrity guests included Charles and Anne Morrow Lindbergh's granddaughter, who provided inspiring words, and an author who has documented the Spirit of Lindbergh.

With its long-sought location scheduled to open in July 2003 in conjunction with LAWA, FPLC will achieve another of its goals. The Learning Center will not only provide an atmosphere recognizing aviation's history, but a site for education counseling of the aspiring aviation/aerospace leaders of tomorrow.