The Columbia Aviation Country Club (CACC) was conceived by L.S. (Doc) White, "Oregon's foremost evangelist of aviation," shortly after WWII. White led the first "See Oregon by Air" tour in September, 1946, followed by tours of Mexico and the Arctic in 1948 and the 50-plane Portland-to-Portland (Oregon to Maine) tour of 1949.

White and club member Wally Timm got the idea during a visit to Wings Field and the Philadelphia Aviation Country Club, where AOPA was founded in 1939. PACC still operates today and has extended special non-resident memberships to AOPA members in recognition of AOPA's 60th Anniversary celebration this October at AOPA EXPO '99.

The Columbia club grew into, and outgrew, several homes during its 50 years. After runway construction took the original clubhouse at Portland Columbia Airport, it acquired the former West Coast Airlines terminal for $1.00. With a membership of 235 by 1981, facilities were again expanded. But in 1994, CACC was asked to leave by the Port of Portland. A new site was located at Aurora State Airport and a new facility (opened in 1997) was constructed on donated land. With the 1994 move, the Club became the Columbia Aviation Association to reflect its wider mission and interests.

The organization has excelled at helping pilots and family members realize the travel, social and learning opportunities that flying offers. Best known for more than 75 Oregon Air Tours, its safety programs and "College of Aeronautical Knowledge" have always kept flying safety top-of-mind.

AOPA is proud to celebrate the success of a family-oriented organization which, since October 8, 1949, brings people together around a common love of aviation.