Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University Golden Eagles Flight Team's Eagle Two is now at the San Diego Air & Space Museum's Gillespie Field Annex in El Cajon, California.

In 1978, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University established its residential campus in Prescott, Arizona. Shortly thereafter, a small group of ambitious and dedicated students founded what would become one of the most accomplished collegiate aviation teams in the nation—the Golden Eagles Flight Team. Initially competing at the regional level against institutions from Arizona, Nevada, and California, the team soon distinguished itself through exceptional skill and discipline. Within a few short years, the Golden Eagles earned invitations to the National Intercollegiate Flying Association’s (NIFA) Safety and Flight Evaluation Conference (SAFECON), where they competed against long-established and nationally recognized universities.

The team’s first regional championship victory came in 1987, marking the beginning of an unbroken record of regional success that continues to this day. This achievement is particularly notable given the team’s early years of limited financial support from the university. For much of its formative period, the Golden Eagles relied on resourcefulness and determination—conducting fundraisers to cover practice and travel expenses and flying whatever aircraft were available, from school trainers and family-owned airplanes to short-term rentals.

As the team’s achievements accumulated, culminating in its first National Championship in 1993, the university’s support grew in parallel. In 1994, Embry-Riddle provided the Golden Eagles with their first dedicated aircraft—a 1964 Cessna 150 affectionately named Eagle One. Following additional national championships in 1997 and 1999, the team acquired Eagle Two, a 1965 Cessna 150 only a few serial numbers newer than its predecessor.

These two aircraft became cornerstones of the team’s legacy, contributing to an extraordinary record of success. Together, Eagle One and Eagle Two helped the Golden Eagles secure 18 individual national titles in the Power-Off and Short-Field Landing events, while the team as a whole amassed sixteen national championships since 1993—exactly half of all competitions held during that period.

The enduring success of the Golden Eagles Flight Team stands as a testament to the dedication, professionalism, and passion of its members—as well as to the aircraft that carried them. After nearly three decades of faithful service, both Eagle One and Eagle Two reached a point where continued operation was no longer practical due to maintenance limitations. While their flying days have concluded, the legacy continues: Eagle Two now takes its place on display at the San Diego Air & Space Museum’s Gillespie Field Annex in El Cajon, ensuring that the story of the Golden Eagles and their remarkable achievements will inspire future generations.