About the TigerFlight Foundation
ENCOURAGING FUTURE CAREERS IN AVIATION
ABOUT THE TIGERFLIGHT FOUNDATION
Between the years 2000 and 2001, five pilots just got together to enjoy the challenge of formation flying and to promote a very unique aircraft – the “Twin-Tailed Tiger.” (Aircoupe)
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, Marchel ”Fox” Sturdivant.
Over these eighteen years, TigerFlight has become one of the most unique aviation 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. This is done through motivational presentations in the community, supporting the ROTC program at the TigerFlight hanger in Rome, GA. (KRMG), and Boy Scouts of America aviation badge program. Additionally, TigerFlight also performs formation flyovers for memorial services, air shows and sporting events. Please contact us!
A most unique flight team: 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. 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.
TIGERFLIGHT / FLYING TIGERS – WWII
Brig. General Robert L. Scott Jr. shown in painting and his P-40 Warhawk in 1943.
General Claire Chennault
The Flying Tigers & TigerFlight – The TigerFlight Foundation and flight team are proudly associated with the original Flying Tigers and honored to be the only civilian flight team associated with this famed World War II squadron. 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.
TigerFlight Twin Tail Patch
Original WWII Single Tail Patch
The Patch – A worthy note about the TigerFlight patch is that, with a closer look, you will see that 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 with many collectors because of this unusual change from the original Flying Tigers patch of World War II.
THE AIRCRAFT
The current TigerFlight aircraft are Alon A-2 Aircoupes. The original Ercoupe, the granddaddy to the Alon Aircoupe, had the Military designator of PQ13 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
- Crew: 2
- Length: 20 feet 4 inches
- Wingspan: 30 feet 0 inches
- Height: 5 feet 7 inches
- Wing Area: 142.6 square feet
- Empty Weight: 930 pounds (approx.)
- Useful Load: 520 pounds
- Baggage Weight: 75 pounds
- Engine: 1 x Continental C-90-16F
- Rated Horsepower: 90 H.P.
- Max Continuous R.P.M: 2475 rpm
Performance
- Maximum Speed: 129 mph
- Cruise, 75% power, optimum alt: 124 mph
- Service Ceiling: 17,300 feet
- Absolute Ceiling: 20,000 feet
- Take off – ground run: 540 feet
