The University of Central Arkansas (UCA) Aviation Academy and UCA Foundation Inc. will host a grand opening of the new Bill Cope Memorial Hangar at the Conway Municipal Airport at 5:30 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 22.
The event is open to the public and will include a brief program at 5:45 p.m. followed by a ribbon-cutting, toast and water cannon salute. Additionally, guests are invited to enjoy a fish fry dinner sponsored by Nabholz Construction Corporation.
UCA’s Aviation Academy hangar is a privately-funded project spearheaded by the UCA Foundation. Simmons Bank made the lead gift for the Bill Cope Memorial Hangar, named in memory of the bank’s chief corporate pilot, who passed away in January 2024 at the age of 62.
Earlier this year, Arkansas Gov. Sarah Sanders announced support from the state in the amount of $750,000 for the buildout of the hangar and purchase of two flight simulators and other equipment for the hangar.
UCA’s Aviation Academy is a highly certified pilot training program offering multiple pilot licensure options, including private and commercial pilot licenses, instructor licenses, instrument and multi-engine ratings.
The academy launched in March 2024 and has already served 55 students. Student pilots train with eight instructors and use the new Tecnam line of aircraft, including P-Mentors and 2010s, courtesy of a partnership with Central Flying Academy.
