The San Diego Air & Space Museum's Aeronca L-3 Grasshopper at the Gillespie Field Annex in El Cajon.

After several years of meticulous restoration, the San Diego Air & Space Museum’s Aeronca L-3 Grasshopper has successfully passed its annual inspection and is now in the final stage of returning to full airworthy status.

Built in 1943 for the Army Air Corps, the L-3 “Grasshopper” served as an observation and liaison aircraft during World War II. Lightweight, agile, and able to operate from short, unimproved fields, aircraft of this type played a critical role in artillery spotting, battlefield reconnaissance, and communications. They were not glamorous machines. They were practical, dependable, and often flew in demanding conditions close to the front lines.

This particular aircraft was generously donated to the Museum on December 7, 2012, by Lloyd T. Gray and Sarah Gray. Their gift ensured that this historic aircraft would be preserved for future generations and ultimately returned to operational condition.

What followed was not a cosmetic refresh but a complete, ground-up restoration at Gillespie Field. The aircraft was taken down to the last part. Every component was inspected, repaired, rebuilt, or replaced as needed. Years of careful work, technical skill, and perseverance have brought the aircraft back to life.

Built in 1943 for the Army Air Corps, the L-3 “Grasshopper” served as an observation and liaison aircraft during World War II.

Originally projected for completion in 2022, the restoration extended into 2026. The delay reflects both the complexity of restoring historic aircraft and the broader disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, which slowed progress across multiple phases of the project. Even so, the restoration team remained committed to meeting modern airworthiness standards while preserving the aircraft’s historic integrity.

With its annual inspection successfully completed, the aircraft has cleared one of the most significant milestones in the certification process. One final documentation step remains before formal airworthiness certification is finalized, marking the last administrative stage in a restoration effort that has spanned more than a decade.

The Grasshopper's restored cockpit.

This achievement is the direct result of the dedication and craftsmanship of the Museum’s volunteer restoration team. The Museum extends its sincere gratitude to Mark Albert, Jim Wright, Trevor Pearson, Bill Kelly, Jim Mackinnon, Matt Jernejcic, Howard Shien, Tom Nolan, and Telford Dorr, whose expertise and commitment made the aircraft’s return possible.

The L-3 “Grasshopper” now stands on the threshold of flight once again. Its restoration restores motion, sound, and presence to a historic aircraft that once served on the front lines of World War II.

Visitors are encouraged to see the aircraft in person at the Museum’s Gillespie Field Annex, where it can be viewed as part of the Museum’s growing collection of restored and operational historic aircraft. Its return represents not only the preservation of history, but its revival.

Located at 335 Kenney Street in El Cajon, California, 92020 the San Diego Air & Space Museum's Gillespie Field location is open to the public Wednesday through Sunday, 9:00 am to 4:00 pm and contains an impressive collection of rare and iconic aircraft.