Help Restore the Project Cub J-3 Piper Cub

Inside the Henry B. Tippie National Aviation Education Center, a small yellow airplane is shaping the future of aviation. Through Project Cub, high school students from North Texas are restoring a 1946 Piper J-3 Cub, learning real-world aircraft maintenance skills while preserving a piece of American history.

Over the past four years, 89 students have taken part—rebuilding wings, replacing wooden spars, installing new leading-edge metal, and preparing the aircraft for its next major phase of restoration. Many graduates have gone on to careers with Gulfstream Aerospace, SpaceX, and major aviation universities. The program works—but the aircraft still needs your help.

This year, through 12 Planes of Christmas, we’re raising $15,000, and every dollar will go directly to the Cub’s restoration. Your support will fund essential aircraft components including:

• Overhaul of the fuselage

• 85 HP engine

• Propeller

• Control cables and linkages

• Tires and hardware

• Final wing re-fabric and finishing

The Piper Cub isn’t just a beloved classic—it played an important role in WWII as the L-4 Grasshopper, training pilots, spotting artillery, and flying low-level reconnaissance. Restoring this aircraft gives students hands-on experience while keeping a historic warbird in the air for future generations.

Your donation helps finish this Cub’s journey back to flight—and helps launch the next generation of aviation professionals.

Thank you for supporting Project Cub and the students who are building their futures one rivet at a time.