About TigerFlight
Leading the young to the dream of flight
Our Mission
Based at Richard B. Russel Airport (RMG) in Rome, Georgia, TigerFlight Foundation is a 501(c)(3) volunteer-driven, nonprofit organization that uses aviation and aviation-related disciplines to inspire Georgia's youth ages 8-18 to build and sustain successful lives and careers.
Who We Serve
TigerFlight Foundation regularly flies youth ages 8-18 in the skies above Rome, GA and other general aviation airports throughout the southeast, giving youth the thrill of a first-hand experience in the cockpit while the pilots use the requirements of aviation to teach valuable life lessons.
We serve youth of all ages, from elementary school students to young adults exploring careers in aviation. Our programs reach schools, scout troops, ROTC units, and community organizations across the region. We also provide adults the opportunity to serve through aviation activities and mentorship.
Many of TigerFlight's student alumni have gone on to achieve great success, citing that lessons learned there have remained a vital compass for direction in both their professional and personal lives. TigerFlight alumni have successfully earned ROTC scholarships, attended military and/or flight academies (including Embry Riddle), completed the FAA ATC-CTI program, and served in careers as military and civilian pilots. All these individuals credit TigerFlight as having been instrumental in helping them identify and reach their career and life goals.
TigerFlight History
From what began as five pilots getting together in the year 2000 to enjoy the challenge of formation flying and to promote a very unique aircraft — the “Twin-Tailed Tiger” (Aircoupe) — TigerFlight has become one of the most unique aviation-based, youth development programs in the country.
TigerFlight motivates youth to become the “pilot in command of their own lives” and introduces them to a rewarding future in aviation.
Today, TigerFlight consists of:
- Three distinctively painted Aircoupe aircraft
- Nearly two dozen active pilots
- Skilled formation flight coaches
- Several skilled ground crew members
- A group of dedicated volunteers
All based at Richard B. Russell Airport (RMG) in Rome, Georgia.
The Original TigerFlight Team
The founding TigerFlight pilots in 2001, from left to right: Roy “Gator” Stubbs, Phil “Sunny” Cataldo, Claude “Pirate” Olstein, Brad “G-Man” Pope, and Marchel “Fox” Sturdivant.
TigerFlight & The Flying Tigers
The only civilian flight team in the world with a direct connection to the famed Flying Tigers of World War II.
TigerFlight is the only formation flight team in the world that flies the “Twin Tailed Tiger” in formation. TigerFlight is also the only civilian flight team in the world that has a direct connection to the famed Flying Tigers of World War II, having received program approval by the family of General Claire Lee Chennault to use a rendition of the Flying Tigers squadron patch.
In 2003, TigerFlight was given permission to use the squadron patch of the Flying Tigers by the family of General Claire Chennault, the Commanding Officer of the Flying Tigers, and General Robert Scott, Flying Tiger Pilot.
The TigerFlight patch and tan flight suit are worn with great pride by the TigerFlight pilots in respect of the memory of those great American aviation heroes who served our country with such great honor.
Brig. General Robert L. Scott Jr. shown in painting and his P-40 Warhawk in 1943.
General Claire Chennault, Commanding Officer of the Flying Tigers.
TigerFlight Twin Tail Patch
The TigerFlight patch features its tiger with two tails, referring to the aircraft's nickname of “Twin Tailed Tiger.” This patch has become a collectible because of this unusual change from the original Flying Tigers patch of WWII.
Original WWII Single Tail Patch
The original Flying Tigers patch featured the iconic single-tailed Bengal tiger leaping through a “V for Victory” symbol, representing the 1st American Volunteer Group under General Chennault.
The Aircraft
Meet the "Twin Tailed Tiger" — the Alon A-2 Aircoupe
The current TigerFlight aircraft are Alon A-2 Aircoupes. The original Ercoupe, the granddaddy to the Alon Aircoupe, had the military designator of PQ-13 and is nicknamed the "Twin Tailed Tiger." The low-wing, twin-tailed monoplane was originally designed in the 1930s as an airplane that would not stall. It was first manufactured by the Engineering and Research Corporation (ERCO) shortly before World War II; several other manufacturers continued its production after the war. The final unit was completed in 1968.
General Information
Performance
Pilot Bios
Our team of active pilots brings decades of combined aviation experience. From military veterans to career aviators, each pilot shares a passion for inspiring the next generation through the magic of flight.
The flights are performed by veteran military service pilots and civilian specially trained formation pilots. Detailed pilot bios coming soon.
Leadership Team
Our leadership team consists of dedicated veterans, aviation enthusiasts, and community leaders committed to advancing our mission of inspiring the next generation of aviators.