Description

War Eagle Field was the site of a contract flying school, Polaris Flight Academy, which was one of 4 schools operated by the Cal-Aero Flight Academy.  The civilian schools were contracted by the US and foreign militaries to provide flight training for military cadets.  War Eagle Field opened in 1941, initially providing training to British and Canadian cadets.  In 1942, following the United States’ entry into the war, it also began the training of USAAF cadets.  The War Eagle Flight Academy became at the time the only civilian school in the US to handle basic training of Army pilots.  Every 4 & one-half weeks a new group of US pilots would arrive at Lancaster to commence their basic training.  After completing their course here, they were sent to Army Advance Training posts where upon completion of their advance course they received their wings & commission. The Vultee BT-13 was the predominant trainer aircraft used at War Eagle Field.  After completing their course here, they were sent to Army Advance Training posts where upon completion of their advance course they received their wings and commission. The Vultee BT-13 was the predominant trainer aircraft used at War Eagle Field.  The Mira Loma Flight Academy at War Eagle Field was closed in 1945 with the end of World War II, but the airfield itself at War Eagle Field apparently remained in operation for a few more years.