Role models and sources of airline information were not easily available for early black aspirants. Though the Tuskegee Airmen and NAI were in place and doing an excellent job, the intricacies of the closed airline club had yet to be experienced by black aviators. Although plagued by pitfalls and detours that year, Ben persevered. The first meeting of OBAP was held in Chicago, Illinois in September, 1976. The organizational structure of OBAP is similar to other organizations.
Policy is guided by a seven member board of directors.
Other officers include the president, vice-president, secretary, treasurer, various appointed positions, and committee heads. A Brief History Of OBAP Years ago, Ben Thomas, a young black pilot with Eastern Airlines evaluated the state of the U.S. airline industry. However, the number of black pilots employed in 1976 was appallingly small. Ben was not alone in recognizing this state of affairs, but his response to the situation was special. He took it upon himself to spearhead an effort to form a permanent body to address this issue.