Help AMCAI & AHSA Restore a 1947 Navion and Launch the Next Generation of Aviation Professionals

By amcai | June 24, 2025 |

We’re proud to share that American High School Academy (AHSA) and the American Center for Aviation Innovation (AMCAI) have been donated a fully intact 1947 North American Navion aircraft—a rare opportunity to restore a piece of aviation history while training students for careers in aerospace, maintenance, and flight.

This is more than a restoration project.
It’s a mission to inspire, educate, and graduate students who are truly industry ready.

🛩 A Historic Aircraft with a New Purpose

Originally designed by North American Aviation, makers of the legendary P-51 Mustang, the Navion was introduced in 1947 as a civilian aircraft for returning WWII pilots. Built tough, elegant in design, and rich in history, it became a staple in American general aviation.

Now, nearly 80 years later, this aircraft will live again—rebuilt by the hands of students and used as a real-world aviation lab.

🛠 Turning Restoration into Education

Students at AHSA’s Kendall and North Miami–Hialeah campuses will:

Restore and rebuild the aircraft’s systems, structure, and skin
Train on AI-integrated flight simulators
Enroll in Private Pilot Ground School
Learn aircraft maintenance, engineering, and aviation technology fundamentals
Graduate with college credit through dual enrollment with Miami Dade College
Attend tuition-free through the Step Up for Students Scholarship Program

AHSA is also a proud member of ATEC (Aviation Technician Education Council), giving students a pathway into nationally recognized A&P technician programs and FAA-aligned certifications.

“They’re Not Just Restoring a Plane. They’re Rebuilding Their Future.”

Many of our students come from nontraditional backgrounds. They’ve struggled in conventional classrooms—but in this hangar, with this aircraft, they discover their voice, their talent, and their confidence.

The 1947 Navion becomes their launchpad—not just into aviation, but into life.

We’re Calling on the Aviation Community

To every pilot, veteran, engineer, A&P technician, aviation company, and passionate enthusiast—we invite you to be part of this legacy.

Here’s How You Can Help:

Make a donation to support tools, parts, equipment, and instruction
Sponsor a section of the plane (cockpit, wing, gear, tail)
Volunteer to mentor students or support instruction
Donate materials or supplies
Spread the word to your network or organization

Your donation to AMCAI is tax-deductible—and deeply impactful.
As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, every dollar you give helps change lives and qualifies as a charitable contribution.

Help Us Bring This Aircraft—and These Futures—to Life

This Navion was made to fly—and now, it will fly again as a symbol of possibility, built by the very students it’s meant to serve.

Together, we can preserve aviation history and prepare the next generation to carry it forward.

Your donation helps students gain the knowledge and skill to fly—not just in the sky, but in life.

Donate or sponsor today at https://amcai.org/donate

Learn more about our aviation programs at https://aviationhighschool.com

Contact us: admin@amcai.com

“We were lucky enough to grow up in a home where there was always much encouragement to intellectual curiosity—but little money to waste.”
— Wilbur Wright
The Wright brothers didn’t have excess money—but they had vision, grit, and support. You can be that support for today’s students.