Page 29 - Douglas Coffee Newcomers Guide 2025

By Courtenay Houston
N estled in the heart of Coffee County, the World
War II Flight Training Museum in Douglas, Georgia,
stands as a testament to the city’s pivotal role
in preparing pilots for combat during World War
II. Once the bustling 63rd Army Air Forces Contract Pilot
School, this historic site now offers visitors a window into the
past, showcasing the dedication and sacrifice of those who
trained here. A Community’s Commitment
The preservation of the Douglas flight training base is
A Crucial Training Ground a testament to the community’s dedication to honoring its
Established in 1941, the 63rd Army Air Forces Contract history. Local organizations and volunteers have worked
Pilot School was part of a nationwide effort to rapidly expand tirelessly to maintain the site’s integrity, ensuring that future
the U.S. military’s pilot corps. Operated by the Raymond- generations can learn from and appreciate this chapter of
Richardson Aviation Company under the oversight of the American history. The museum is a proud partner in the
Army Air Forces, the school provided primary flight training Georgia World War II Heritage Trail, georgiawwiitrail.org, a
to aspiring pilots. Between 1941 and 1944, approximately network of sites dedicated to commemorating the state’s
9,000 cadets underwent rigorous training here, mastering the contributions to the war effort.
fundamentals of flight in preparation for advanced instruction
and eventual deployment. Visiting the Museum
Training at the Douglas base encompassed both classroom Located at 3 Airport Circle in Douglas, the World War II
instruction and hands-on flight experience. Cadets logged Flight Training Museum welcomes visitors Thursday through
hours in the Boeing-Stearman PT-17 biplane, a staple Saturday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. While admission is free,
of primary flight training during the era. The curriculum donations are appreciated to support ongoing preservation
emphasized not only technical proficiency but also the efforts. The tour also includes a visit to two of the original
discipline and resilience required of military aviators. WWII hangars where a B-17 bomber is being rebuilt and
where numerous WWII aircraft are stored. Group tours can be
Preserving History arranged by appointment, offering an in-depth exploration of
Today, the World War II Flight Training Museum occupies the site’s rich history.
one of the original instructors’ barracks, one of 13 surviving The World War II Flight Training Museum stands as a
structures at the base from the wartime era. These buildings, poignant reminder of Douglas’s significant role in preparing
remarkably well-preserved, offer a tangible connection to the pilots for service during a critical period in history. Through
past, allowing visitors to experience the environment in which its meticulously preserved structures and compelling exhibits,
thousands of young men trained for war. the museum offers an immersive educational experience,
The museum’s exhibits feature a wealth of artifacts, honoring the legacy of those who served and ensuring that
including training equipment, uniforms, photographs, and their stories continue to inspire future generations.
personal mementos donated by former cadets and their wwiiflighttraining.org
families. Interactive displays and restored aircraft provide
insight into the daily lives of trainees and the challenges
they faced. Notably, the museum houses a rare Link Trainer,
an early flight simulator that played a crucial role in pilot
instruction during the war.

Wings and Things
Festival and Fly-in
Visit Douglas and the Douglas-Coffee County Chamber of Commerce
are excited to announce the Wings and Things Festival and Fly-in,
held at Douglas Municipal Airport. Held in the spring, attendees can
view antique airplanes and military vehicles and participate in a hot
wing contest. Come fly in a PT-17 Stearman or a Huey helicopter.
Meet pilots from all over the Southeast, or fly in for the day and show
off your plane. There are vendors, food trucks, entertainment, and
so much more. Check out upcoming dates and details by visiting
visitdouglasga.org/events.
Douglas-Coffee County Chamber of Commerce | 912-384-1873 | douglasga.org 25