Falcon Field Hangars - Mesa, AZ
N 33° 27.285 W 111° 43.831
12S E 432109 N 3701941
This marker narrates the history of the two World War II era hangars nearby.
Waymark Code: WMY4ZD
Location: Arizona, United States
Date Posted: 04/22/2018
Views: 4
Falcon Field began as a air training station in World War II. British troops were stationed here to become pilots in the war. The two original hangars are still in good shape and in use.
The marker reads:
Falcon Field Hangars
These two hangars were built in September/October 1941
by Southwest Airways Company. When Falcon Field was
established from a square mile of desert to become the
No. 4 British flying training school of the Royal Air
Force from September 1941 until September 1945.
The aircraft used were: Boeing PT-17A Stearman. In
the West hangar: Vultee BT-13 (soon phased out).
And North American AT-6A Harvard advanced trainers,
In the East Hangar.
The Chief of Maintenance was Joseph E. Wischler
(1916-1987) who, with his team of about 80 American
civilian mechanics and assistants, serviced and repaired
the aircraft to high standards in these hangars for
all four years. "They kept them flying"
Over 2000 RAF cadets flew these airplanes, with
American civilian flying instructors. (The Thunderbird
pilots). 1380 Royal Air Force and 116 United States Army
Air Force Cadets graduated and were awarded their
Pilot's Wings at Falcon Field. 23 RAF cadets and 4
instructors died here in flying accidents. 275 RAF
aircrew trained here and died in service before the
end of WWII.
This plaque is dedicated to all those who served at
Falcon Field, in whatever capacity during World War II.
October 1997
Marker Name: Falcon Field Hangars
Type of history commemorated: Place
County: Maricopa
Name of any agency/ agencies setting marker:
Falcon Field Tenants and Users Association
Year placed: 1997
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