FLAM@UCI

The goal of the FLAM@UCI project team is to collaboratively construct a museum-quality restoration of a 1918 Curtiss JN-4D "Jenny," an iconic World War I-era biplane used primarily for training U.S. military pilots. The restored aircraft will be non-flying but must accurately represent the original aircraft in dimensions, appearance, and structure, down to the materials, methods, and finishes wherever possible. The Curtiss JN-4D will be a featured piece at the Flying Leatherneck Aviation Museum, currently being built in Irvine Great Park. This isn’t just a build project — it’s a historical reconstruction effort requiring technical precision, planning, and teamwork. 

This collaboration engages UCI undergraduate students in an immersive, hands-on learning experience by partnering with the expert staff/volunteers of the Flying Leatherneck Aviation Museum (FLAM) and the Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA). Through the joint effort of building a historically accurate replica of the 1918 Curtiss JN-4D “Jenny” with original/replica parts, students will:

• Apply classroom knowledge in a real-world aerospace restoration context, developing engineering design, manufacturing, planning, and problem-solving skills.
• Learn from experienced aviation professionals about historical aircraft construction techniques, museum standards, and project logistics.
• Foster interdisciplinary teamwork across student groups and experienced mentors, simulating industry-level collaboration and communication.
• Contribute to preserving aviation heritage by helping create a display-quality aircraft that will educate and inspire museum visitors for years.
• Build a professional work ethic by practicing leadership, accountability, and coordination in a high-stakes, multi-quarter project setting.

https://www.flyingleathernecks.org/ 

Contact: 

PM - Silvia Tinelli stinelli@uci.edu

PM - Stuti Patel stutinp@uci.edu