The First Black-Owned FBO in U.S. History
And the System That Tried to Erase It
In 2005, we set out to change aviation history
Imagine investing your life savings into a dream
Only to have the system try to erase you --
That’s our reality
The Untold Story of America's First Black-Owned FBO
Our History
Opa Locka Flightline, the first Black-owned Fixed Base Operator (FBO) in U.S. history, proudly announces the release of Take Flight, a powerful narrative that exposes the challenges, conspiracies, and systemic racism that sought to tear down their groundbreaking enterprise. This story of perseverance, injustice, and community speaks to a broader struggle for equality in an industry historically dominated by white elites.
Our Partners
Eddie Brown, Anthony Robinson, Linnette Turner, and Eric Turner—were four ordinary individuals who answered an extraordinary calling. They opened the first Black-owned FBO, challenging the status quo and striving to introduce a wealth of opportunities to their community. Yet, from the very start, their dream was attacked by a coalition of powerful entities, including the Miami-Dade Aviation Department (MDAD) and AA Acquisitions (AA), determined to destroy their business.
Our Story
Take Flight delves into the multi-million-dollar conspiracy orchestrated to prevent Flightline from succeeding. As Flightline made strides to develop its 15-acre site, offering new opportunities in a struggling economy, the company faced relentless opposition. Despite securing potential investors and planning for growth, systemic greed, racism, and corruption blocked their path, leading to the loss of $23 million and the crushing of their vision for diversity in aviation.
Opa Locka Flightline's fight for justice led them to hire famed attorney Willie Gary, known as the “Giant Killer,” to battle their oppressors in court. But even the court system conspired to deny their case, cutting off their opportunity to expose the truth through trial. "We were denied the chance to let the world see what was really happening," Turner adds. “Money, power, and corruption ruled the day.”
In Take Flight, readers are taken on a journey through systemic racism, corporate corruption, and the fight to break generational barriers. The book uncovers how the conspiracy to block America’s only Black-owned FBO reveals a larger truth about the forces that seek to keep Black entrepreneurs out of major industries.
Opa Locka Flightline remains committed to their mission of creating opportunities for future generations, fighting for diversity and inclusion in aviation, and serving as a beacon of hope for communities long marginalized by the aviation industry.
Gallery
Take Flight
The Untold Story of America’s First Black-Owned Private Jet Terminal
From Hope to History
History Tried to Silence Us. We Chose to Take Flight
Legacy Focused
Our Story Is More Than Aviation—It’s a Movement
Coming Soon
The Take Flight Documentary — Because the truth deserves to soar
Contact Us
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