Bill Cope Memorialized with Privately-Funded Hangar

A grand opening of the Bill Cope Memorial Hangar greeted visitors last Friday, when the University of Central Arkansas (UCA) Aviation Academy opened its doors for the first time.

The new Hangar was a privately-funded project spearheaded by the UCA Foundation. Simmons Bank chipped in and exercised their naming prerogative in memory of Bill Cope, the bank’s chief pilot for five years until his passage in 2024.

“Simmons Bank is honored to have made the lead gift to this project,” Simmons Bank Community Regional Executive Justin McCarty said. “We know this hangar and the activities that happen inside it will reflect the same characteristics Bill brought to everything he did – a generous heart, an adventurous spirit and a deep commitment to helping all succeed.”

The Academy opened in March 2024 "with a simple but powerful goal: to meet a growing need for qualified pilots while creating pathways for Arkansas students to pursue fulfilling careers” according to UCA President Houston Davis. “Thanks to partnerships and private support, we are not just producing pilots, we are producing leaders. We are deeply grateful to Simmons Bank and the many individuals who believed in this vision early on.”

The Widow Cope said her husband would have been extremely proud to leave such a lasting mark on the future of the industry. “Proud that this hangar will inspire and train the next generation of pilots,” Said Tina Cope. “Proud that his love for flying created friendships, built community and left behind memories that many of us share today. She left her thanks to her husband's employers for keeping him in mind. “To Simmons Bank, UCA, the UCA Foundation and every donor who made this hangar possible – especially those who were not just clients, but dear friends – thank you. Your generosity is a lasting gift. And, to the future aviators who will walk into this hangar, remember this: Passion will keep you going. Determination will carry you through the challenges. And, joy is found not only in the destination, but in the journey itself.”

FMI: www.uca.edu