No. 4 British Flying Training School (BFTS)
In support of the war effort in Europe, the Royal Air Force, established seven flying schools scattered around the US, away from enemy interference in 1941. The No. 4 BFTS was located right here in Arizona at Falcon Field in Mesa. The RAF operated the No. 4 BFTS until 1944. Two of the original hangars still exist a Falcon field are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The Arizona Aviation Historical Group is a proud partner with the No. 4 BFTS here in the US and the United Kingdom.
...by so many, to so few.
From 1941 to 1944, nearly 2000 RAF Cadets would train at Falcon Field and twenty-three would lose their lives in accidents. The training was demanding and would test the young Brits. Most welcomed our sunny skies and warm weather, which was quite the departure from their homes in England and provided an ideal training environment. Life long friendships were made and some would return to Arizona and make their home here. While most of those who trained here have flown west, their families and friend keep their memory alive through events and social media.
The RAF Cadets learned the basics starting with the PT-17 Stearman and then moved on to the T-6 Texan. Both were challenging airplanes to fly but would fully prepare the Cadets to return to England and fly the iconic Spitfire, Hurricane, and Lancaster, among others.
The No. 4 BFTS was operated by Southwest Airways , a civilian company contracted by the U.S. Army Air Corps to provide the training for the RAF. The staff was mostly made up of civilians. Falcon Field was one of four fields established by Southwest Airways, others being Thunderbird No. 1 in Glendale, Thunderbird No. 2 in Scottsdale (now Scottsdale Airport), and what is now Phoenix Sky Harbor.
We have partnered with the private owners of a PT-17 that is painted to represent the No. 4 BFTS and is operated out of Falcon Field.