WWII Flight Training Base

History

During World War II, Douglas and Coffee County was home to approximately 10,000 civilian pilots who trained at the 63rd Army Air Forces Contract Pilot School (Primary) air base. The air base was jointly managed, with the Raymond-Brinkerhoff Aviation Company overseeing the flying instructors and buildings, while the Army was responsible for the mechanics, cadets, and hospital.

In 1943, the main airfield expanded to 3,500 feet by 3,500 feet, with additional auxiliary fields. Ten barracks were added in 1942, and more barracks were under construction in 1943. After Brinkerhoff's resignation from Raymond-Brinkerhoff, the company was reorganized as the Raymond-Richardson Aviation Company. The base grew to include 12 buildings and a flagpole. An estimated total of 10,000 WWII cadets graduated from the 63rd Army Air Forces Contract Pilot School (Primary) here in Douglas.

An average of 200 cadets and 75 personnel were stationed at the 63rd Army Air Forces Contract Pilot School (Primary) air base in Douglas at all times during World War II. The air base was jointly managed, with the Raymond-Brinkerhoff Aviation Company overseeing the flying instructors and buildings, while the Army was responsible for the mechanics, cadets, and hospital.

During the war, many cadets flew and earned honors, while some made the ultimate sacrifice. In December 1944, the base was decommissioned and returned to the City of Douglas as a civilian complex. Over the years, the airbase has been used for various purposes, such as spring baseball training, school housing, and government office space. The WWII 63rd AAF-FTD Flight Training Museum and the Douglas-Coffee County Veterans Park are located on the grounds of the 63rd Army Air Forces Contract Pilot School (Primary) Air Base.

For the full history of the 63rd Army Air Forces Contract Pilot School (Primary) and its heroes, link here to the WWII Flight Training Museum.

Link to Cadet Park and Loring Memorial

Interested in rental of one of the historic buildings?

Link to available Properties for Rent.

Air Base Preservation & Development Committee Works to Protect Historic Air Base

The goals of the Air Base Preservation & Development Committee are to identify, evaluate, and plan for rehabilitation, adaptive use, and restoration of the historic structures at the 63rd Army Air Forces Contract Pilot School (Primary) air base in Douglas, Georgia, Coffee County. We hope to protect the historical integrity and increase awareness of this hidden jewel within our community. The end results will hopefully create a "village concept" that will attract visitors from across the nation to this historic landmark, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Contact a Committee Member today to make a tax-deductible donation for the restoration of this historic Air Base. Link here for more information about the committee.

Air Base Preservation Committee (PDF)

WWII Flight Training Museum located on Douglas' historic Air Base is Listed on Georgia's WWII Heritage Trail

Discover Georgia’s legacy of inspiring wartime stories at the sites that make up the new World War II Heritage Trail, launching on February 16, 2021. Southern states were critical to the war effort during World War II (1941-1945), and none more so than Georgia. Over 300,000 Georgians served in the military, and thousands of civilians worked in rapidly expanding defense industries. Ten sites across the state have partnered to bring a new experience to visitors, families, and groups.

The World War II Flight Training Museum and the 63^rd Preservation Society in Douglas eagerly joined in this endeavor. Of the 55 civilian Primary flying training centers across the country during World War II, the airbase in Douglas is the most intact. Many of the buildings, the field, and hangars are still pretty much as they were in 1941. Thousands of cadets, flight instructors, and support staff were stationed in Douglas during the war. It is important to tell their stories of service and sacrifice.

WWII Heritage Trail Information Kit