A Look Back: Hardin-Simmons’ Intercollegiate Aeronautics Program

(ABILENE, Texas)– Autumn 1939 brought numerous changes to our nation and the Hardin-Simmons University campus. In September of 1939, the start of World War II staggered the international community, as Germany invaded Poland. In response, the United States government began the Civilian Pilot Training Program (CPTP), a flight training program for non-military individuals that primarily operated on college campuses across the country, including HSU.

HSU’s CPTP began around the start of WWII and served as a collective effort between Hardin-Simmons University, Abilene Christian College, now Abilene Christian University, McMurry University, and Texas Tech University. The ground portion of the program took place on the HSU campus and was led by Dr. Olsen and Prof. Burman from HSU. The flight portion of the program took place at Abilene Airfield.

This page from the 1940 Bronco shows HSU’s inaugural CPTP class.

At the start of the program, 20 students from the Big Country universities were enrolled in HSU’s aeronautics classes. By the late 1940s, more than 30 students were enrolled per year.

Though the CPTP began as a way for civilians to earn a pilot’s license, the program had an obvious effect on the war effort, as America had access to a surplus of trained pilots. The program also included women, and though these ladies were not allowed to serve in the military, some later served with the Women Airforce Service Pilots (WASP).

After the conclusion of WWII in 1945, HSU rebranded the local chapter of the CPTP to become the university’s Aeronautics Club.

The 1948 edition of The Bronco, HSU’s yearbook, states, “The Aeronautics Club is composed of students enrolled in aeronautics or who have an interest in flying. The teaching of flying and the study of aviation is the purpose of the club. Several members were in the Air Corps during World War II; others hold private licenses; and many have added flying hours during the year.”

The last record of the Aeronautics Club is found in the 1949 Bronco.