ABOUT THE AERO CLUB

ACSC membership is open to everyone with an interest in aviation and aerospace — from research and technology to piloting, education, manufacturing, commercial and military aviation, and much more.

HISTORY OF THE AERO CLUB

The Aero Club has a rich history dating back to 1908. The Aero Club of Southern California and its predecessor organizations have supported aviation since that time. In 1910, the Historical Air Meet Show at Dominguez Hills in Los Angeles showcased aircraft from both the U.S. and Europe to enlighten the public about the burgeoning technology of flight.


By 1930, the ACSC launched its official newsletter, The Aileron, and played a pivotal role in the dedication of a new airport, originally known as Mines Field, which we now recognize as Los Angeles International Airport.


The impact of World War II, with its unparalleled utilization of air power, attracted military speakers and large crowds to Aero Club meetings. In the post-war era, the ACSC shifted its focus to the expanding domain of commercial flight, maintaining a significant interest in airports as key hubs for industrial and civilian traffic as the organization continued to grow.


With the rise of space flight and the significant contributions of Southern California companies in the realm of space exploration, the ACSC broadened its mission to include both aerospace and aviation. Today, the ACSC remains committed to its objectives, providing an annual scholarship program for students aspiring to careers in aviation and aerospace.

OFFICERS AND BOARD MEMBERS

Meet Our Leaders

OFFICERS

The Aero Club of Southern California is led by a committed Board of Directors, each offering distinct expertise and a deep passion for aerospace and aviation. The Aero Club of Southern California (ACSC) operates as a 501(c)(3) charitable aviation industry non-profit.


Meet Our Board

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Suzanne Fuentes

Stephen Perry

Carol Marinello

Arthur W. McAllister, Jr.

Chris Pannacciulli

George G. Butts

J. Bruce Camino

Jean-Christophe (J.C.) Dick

Amanda Meeks

Kevin Mickey

Rod Pierce

Julie R. Sims

Jessi Snyder

Zac Turke

Steve Wallis

Mark Shoemaker



Members of the Board of Directors serve three-year terms. Elections take place each autumn during the Annual General Meeting. The terms are staggered, ensuring that around one-third of the Board’s members are up for election each year.


A legacy of leadership shaping aviation since 1908

PAST PRESIDENTS

Compiled by ACSC Historian Jim Turner from extensive review of Club records, this is the most complete list of ACSC Presidents to date. ACSC traces its roots to 1908 and received its charter from the National Aeronautic Association in 1925. Names are listed by the year each President was first elected (multi-term years not repeated).

1925 - Charles F. Willard

1925 - Donald W. Douglas, Sr.

1928 - Harry H. Wetzel

1929 - Lyman Johnson

1929 - Robert J. Pritchard

1930 - W.E. "Tommy" Thomas

1931 - Frank W. Birely

1933 - W. P. Balderston

1934 - Randall Irwin

1935-51 - Unknown

1952 - Neff

1952 - Henshaw

1954 - Adm. Charles F. Horne

1962 - Francis T. Fox

1966 - John W. Luring

1968 - Myron L. Radin

1970 - Harry C. Dow

1971 - Maurice A. "Mo" Kimball

1976 - Sam Greenberg

1977 - Burck Smith

1980 - Nissen Davis

1981 - Roy C. Palmer

1982 - Eddie Holohan

1984 - Robert L. McCaffery

1985 - Vi Rigby

1987 - Arvin O. Basnight

1988 - William A. Schoneberger

1991 - Scott E. Miller

1993 - James W. Ragsdale

1996 - Linda Dozier

1998 - James A. Holtsclaw

1999 - Randall Berg

2001 - Agnes Huff

2003 - Keith Mew

2004-12 - Nissen Davis

2013-17 - John Stammreich

2018-21 - William Withycombe

2022-24 - George Butts

2025 - Patrick C. Carey