Proposed book on Aviation Psychology, 1942-43

File — Box: 51, Folder: 1-8

Identifier: VII

Staff Only

Scope and Contents

The Civilian Pilot Training Program came about with the passage of the Civilian Pilot Training Act by the 76th Congress. This program, begun in 1939 by the Civil Aeronautics Authority, was to train civilian pilots and help increase the number of pilots who could be used in the event of war. These pilots were trained at existing facilities at universities and colleges and nearby flying fields. The initial program was a great success, and President Franklin D. Roosevelt recommended Congress increase appropriations for the program. Congress complied. The program was so successful that there were 100,000 licensed civilian pilots and 25,000 planes ready to go at the time of the attack on Pearl Harbor (December 7, 1941). This was triple the number of pilots and double the number of planes less than three years previously. Dean Brimhall was very active in this program and worked closely with Robert H. Hinckley, chairman of the Civil Aeronautics Authority. The outline of this program is contained in Brimhall's papers along with some personal notes by him.

Dates

1942-43

Conditions Governing Access

Twenty-four hour advanced notice encouraged. Materials must be used on-site. Access to parts of this collection may be restricted under provisions of state or federal law.