World War II Flight Training Museum
Visit the Museum, Flying School and
WWII Airplane Restoration Hangar!
Visit our World War II Flight Training Museum. The Museum tells the important and often unknown story of wartime aircrew training. It is housed in one of the aviation cadet barracks that has been completely restored to its vintage appearance. One room shows visitors what a 1942 barracks looked like, complete with bunks, desks, and chairs from the original base. Additionally, tour groups are taken through other rooms containing the story of the 63rd Flying Training Detachment and its training equipment; WWII bomber and fighter aircraft that were later flown by our cadets in the War; bailout, survival and evasion gear; and pilot, bombardier and navigator equipment and armaments. The exhibits conclude with a look at issues on the Home Front, including some of the roles of women. Aircraft photos, models and artwork are scattered throughout the museum.
About 10,000 young men learned how to fly in the PT-17 Stearman here at this primary flight training facilitiy. The most intact, complete and original school left in the US is here in Douglas. 13 original buildings are still standing, and in order to preserve their story, one of the buildings houses our WWII Flight Training Museum, a fitting memorial to those who prepared to defend freedom.
About Us
On the National Register of Historic Places! Originally a part of South Georgia College's pilot training program, the 63rd Army Air Forces Contract Pilot School was established in response to the demand for pilots during World War II. Its operation was run by the Raymond-Richardson Aviation Company, a civilian company, but it was overseen by the Army Air Force. The base and cadets enrolled in the school were designated as the 63rd Army Air Forces Flying Training Detachment. From 1941-1944, somewhere between 5,000 and 10,000 cadets were enrolled, each for about 9 weeks, in what is known as primary flying school as they learned to fly. Here they were taught the flying concepts and received the hands-on experience they would need for more advanced schools for flying specific aircraft.
Of the 55 civilian Primary flying training centers across the country, the base at Douglas is the most intact, with many of the buildings, the field, and hangars still pretty much as they were during the War. A highlight is the instructors' barracks that has been converted into a museum about the men, training, and facilities. The museum houses exhibits on the 63rd's training, aircraft, and equipment.
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