Tigers Loose at AirVenture!

July 26, 2016 - At EAA AirVenture, there are often so many things to see and do that you simply cannot accomplish everything in a single week. From warbirds to seaplanes, there is always something for every aviation enthusiast out there. But what about those interested in finally making that dream a reality? What about those who wish to see the world from a different vantage point? What about the next generation? Those who would like these and other similar questions answered are encouraged to visit Auburn University Aviation in Exhibit Hangar B, Booth 2065.

For the third year in a row, Auburn University Aviation has returned to EAA AirVenture as exhibitors, bringing their southern hospitality and passion for aviation with them. Honorably representing Auburn Aviation this week are the Striped Wings Student Ambassadors. The Striped Wings is a unique group of students that have gone through a strict selection process by their peers whose main goal is to share their passion for aviation and Auburn with others. They do everything from conducting campus tours to traveling the country to promote the fantastic opportunities offered at Auburn.

The university has a rich aviation heritage tracing all the way back to the Wright brothers in 1907 and is considered the oldest continually-operated flight school in the U.S. Auburn University began flight training in the 1930s and it became a degree program under the College of Engineering in 1941. Since then, Auburn Aviation has become one of the most well-respected collegiate flight schools in the nation and is praised as one of the safest by industry leaders. As many of the flight students will tell you, Auburn is not just teaching them how to fly, but also preparing them for the professional world of aviation.

In July of 2014, the Auburn University administration, Auburn Aviation administration, faculty, and staff created the Auburn University Aviation Center. The new Aviation Center aims to promote economic development and work with state and industry leaders to strengthen the two aviation degree programs located in Auburn’s Raymon J. Harbert College of Business, aviation management, and professional flight management. According to Center Director Dr. Bill Hutto, “the sky is the limit” for aviation education at Auburn.

Over the past several years, Auburn has continued their growth and development of the aviation programs and even added some new ones. With the fall 2016 semester right around the corner, so too is the 75th anniversary of Auburn University Aviation. On this anniversary, Auburn looks to the future with a brand-new unmanned aerial systems (UAS) course as well as a new flight training facility that is expected to break ground in Spring 2017. Other items like a new curriculum for a 1,000-hour reduced ATP rating and the addition of state-of-the-art simulators are also in the works.

The Auburn University Aviation Striped Wings will be at EAA AirVenture all week and hope to see many new people stop by the booth to get more info about the great opportunities Auburn has to offer. Thursday this week is also Auburn Alumni day at the booth and all alumni are encouraged to stop by for drinks and refreshments. So if you are interested in taking the next step towards your dreams of flying, just remember to FLY AUBURN!