Restore a Classic Airplane

We've met our goal - let's go further! We also need to replace the the avionics. Please help us raise an additional $15,000 so we can get our Ercoupe airworthy.

In 2018, a 1945 Ercoupe was donated to the Department of Aviation in honor of an Auburn Aviation alumni. The Ercoupe was designed in the 1930s to be the “Model T” of the skies and marketed as the type of aircraft “anyone could fly.” The production of this aircraft was short-lived but impactful. 

Of the five thousand manufactured, there are only two thousand left. Our aircraft needs an annual inspection to maintain its airworthiness and renovations. 

Our goal is to recondition the 1945 Ercoupe to become the “Spirit” of Auburn Aviation during outreach programs and recruiting events. 

The airplane will be renovated by updating the avionics to meet current airspace requirements, stripping the old paint, refinishing the aircraft in aluminum, restriping to match our existing fleet, and reupholstering the seats. 

Auburn’s aviation program is involved with Auburn University’s Youth Outreach Programs, Alabama Works, the Boys and Girls Clubs of America, Girls in Aviation Day International, and many other causes. We also attend several airshows like Oshkosh and Sun’n’Fun. 

All these events are aimed at inspiring the next generation of aviators. Auburn Aviation believes that when one can find their passion, they find the drive and motivation to become the most successful version of themselves. 

It may be easy to pinpoint an exact moment in your life that started your passion; our intent is that the Ercoupe will serve as that “exact moment” for the next generation of aviators.