Exhibit 23.1 Consent of Ernst & Young LLP, Independent Auditors We consent to the incorporation by reference in the Registration Statements o Form S-8 No. 35-27317, o Form S-8 No. 33-21698, o Form S-8 No. 33-06183, o Form S-8 No. 333-49779, o Form S-8 No. 333-62037, o Form S-8 No. 333-97703, o Form S-8 No. 333-82828, o Form S-8 No. 333-16821, o Form S-8 No. 333-37297, o Form S-8 No. 333-70387, o Form S-8 No. 333-70673, and o Form S-8 No. 333-54158 of our report dated August 29, 2002, with respect to the consolidated financial statements and schedule of The Fairchild Corporation and subsidiaries included in the Annual Report (Form 10-K/A) for the year ended June 30, 2002. /s/ Ernst & Young LLP McLean, Virginia October 22, 2002