Big Spring Army Glider Training School Explained

Unit Name:Big Spring Army Glider Training School
Dates:10 July 1942 - 15 January 1943
Country:
Branch:US Army
Role:Glider training school
Garrison:Big Spring, Texas

Big Spring Army Glider Training School is an abandoned facility located approximately 18miles north-northwest of Big Spring, Texas. It is now farmland and no trace of it exists.

History

The facility consisted of a 7,000' dirt runway located in a sparsely populated area. It was activated on 10 July 1942 and was operated under contract to the United States Army Air Forces by Big Spring Flying Service.

Used primarily C-47 Skytrains and Waco CG-4 unpowered gliders. The mission of the school was to train glider pilot students in proficiency in operation of gliders in various types of towed and soaring flight, both day and night, and in servicing of gliders in the field.

Training ceased with students transferred to Big Spring Army Airfield due to inadequacy of water supply and barracks heating on 15 January 1943.

See also

References