Cornelius R. Coffey

Cornelius R. Coffey

August 5, 1913 – December 26, 1994

Co-founded the Coffey School of Aeronautics in Chicago in the 1940s

Invented the “Coffeyville Glide,” an aviation instrument that helped pilots make more accurate landings. The device, patented in 1958, provided pilots with important information about the aircraft’s position and descent rate during landing, improving safety and precision. His invention was particularly valuable for pilots operating in poor weather conditions or unfamiliar landing fields.

He was an African-American inventor and engineer. He was born on August 5, 1913, in Tullahassee, Oklahoma, and passed away on December 26, 1994. Coffey is best known for his contributions to the field of aviation. In the 1930s, he became one of the first African-American aircraft mechanics in the United States. He worked as a mechanic and flight instructor, breaking racial barriers in the aviation industry at a time when segregation was prevalent.

Coffey’s most significant invention was the “Coffeyville Glide,” an aviation instrument that helped pilots make more accurate landings. The device, patented in 1958, provided pilots with important information about the aircraft’s position and descent rate during landing, improving safety and precision. His invention was particularly valuable for pilots operating in poor weather conditions or unfamiliar landing fields.

Aside from his inventions, Coffey was involved in promoting aviation education and opportunities for African Americans. He co-founded the Coffey School of Aeronautics in Chicago in the 1940s. The school provided aviation training to African-American students who faced discrimination in other institutions. Coffey also played a role in training Tuskegee Airmen, the first African-American military aviators in the United States.

The Challenger Air Pilots Association at Robbins Airport. Coffey stands second from the right. Image courtesy of the Smithsonian Institution.

Cornelius R. Coffey’s contributions to aviation and his efforts to break down racial barriers have had a lasting impact. His inventions and dedication to promoting aviation opportunities for African Americans paved the way for future generations of minority pilots and engineers.

This photo features some of the members of the Challenger Air Pilots Association during a memorial they put on for aviator Bessie Coleman in 1935. Some notable members include Janet Waterford (later known as Janet Harmon Bragg) in the middle of the second row and Willa Brown to her right. Cornelius Coffey is in the third row, far left and to the far right is Dale White. Image courtesy of the Smithsonian Institution.