Unveiling the details of an generous contribution to GCU, surpassing its individual components' worth
Nine years ago, Grounded No More Veterans Flight Lift was founded by Tony Anger, a man with a unique connection to aviation history. Anger owns a plane that was used to train British pilots during World War II, and his organization's mission is to honour veterans with a flight in a historic warplane. To date, 690 veterans have been flown.
The Fairfield PT-26 was the first model used to train World War II pilots, and the engine on display at Grand Canyon University's 27 Avenue campus is a 1943 engine from one of these training planes. In June, Anger donated this engine to GCU, citing his admiration for the university's Christian mission and Nathan Cooper, who he considers family.
Cooper, the director of GCU CityServe, always had a passion for flying. He took aviation classes in high school and, despite financial constraints that prevented him from completing his private pilot's license, he later joined GCU as a student and stayed after graduation to run CityServe.
The donated engine has significant historical value, having been used in training World War II pilots and later in flights for 400 veterans. It is uniquely designed to run upside down, allowing the pilot to see over it and preventing the propellers from hitting the ground. The engine will be accompanied by information about its history, including its role in training World War II pilots and its subsequent use in flights for veterans.
The engine is now located outside Lux Precision Manufacturing, an alumni-founded company that produces parts for modern aerospace models and trains Center for Workforce Development participants. The donated engine will showcase the advancements in manufacturing, particularly in the Computer Numerical Control manufacturing taking place at Lux Precision Manufacturing.
In one instance, an older veteran took control of the plane during the flight. For Cooper, these moments are special, as he watches older veterans, wearing hats and headsets, prepare to fly in the plane. He often observes that these men, who initially seemed hesitant, become animated once inside the plane, naming off various instruments.
Cooper arranged for his grandfather, a Vietnam veteran, to take a flight in the Fairchild engine in December 2023. After the flight, his grandfather opened up about his military service, sharing stories that had been untold for years. This is a testament to the power of these flights, not just as a tribute to the veterans, but also as a means to foster connections and heal old wounds.
Historical aircraft engines can be significant in educational or veterans' programs for their historical value and potential use in educational settings as learning tools. However, without specific details about this engine and program, it's challenging to provide a precise explanation. Nevertheless, the donation of the Fairchild engine to Grand Canyon University marks a significant step in honouring veterans and preserving aviation history.
- The engine donated by Anger to Grand Canyon University, originally used in World War II training planes, is now on display at GCU's 27 Avenue campus.
- Grand Canyon University's director of GCU CityServe, Nathan Cooper, shares a personal connection with Anger, being considered family by the founder of Grounded No More Veterans Flight Lift.
- Cooper, who was once financially constrained from obtaining his private pilot's license, found a home and continued his passion for aviation at Grand Canyon University.
- The donated engine participated not only in training World War II pilots but also in flights for 400 veterans, demonstrating its value to the Christian community and the alumni of the university.
- The engine is situated outside Lux Precision Manufacturing, an alumni-founded company specializing in modern aerospace models and workforce development, showcasing the evolution of manufacturing technology.
- During one flight, an older veteran took control of the plane, reflecting the confidence and pride veterans feel while participating in these events.
- In 2023, Cooper arranged for his own grandfather, a Vietnam veteran, to experience a flight in the Fairchild engine, leading to a heartfelt conversation about his wartime experiences.
- Historical aircraft engines can serve as educational tools in veterans' programs, offering a unique opportunity for learning and healing.
- The donation of the Fairchild engine to Grand Canyon University catalyzes efforts to honor veterans and preserve aviation history, further solidifying the university's connection to the aerospace industry.
- As a graduate of Grand Canyon University, Nathan Cooper continues to contribute to the university's education, self-development, and service initiatives.
- Apart from general news, sports, and sports betting, the donation of the historic engine to Grand Canyon University is also relevant to sectors like finance, home-and-garden, business, technology, politics, and war-and-conflicts, all of which can benefit from or be influenced by preservation projects like this.
