Hancock Field (California)
Encyclopedia
Hancock Field is a former airport and military airfield located approximately 2 miles (3.2 km) south-southeast of Santa Maria, California
. Also known as Santa Maria Municipal Airport, the airport was closed about 1959 and today is the site of Allan Hancock College
.
During World War II
the United States Army Air Force contracted with the Hancock Foundation College of Aeronautics to provide basic flight (level 1) instruction to aviation cadets beginning on 14 September 1940. Fairchild PT-19
s were the primary trainer used. Performed contract training until 27 June 1944 with the drawdown of AAFTC's pilot training program.
Private flight training continued until the late 1950s when the airfield was closed.
Santa Maria, California
Santa Maria is a city in Santa Barbara County, on the Central Coast of California. The 2010 census population was 100,062, putting it ahead of Santa Barbara for the first time and making it the largest city in the county...
. Also known as Santa Maria Municipal Airport, the airport was closed about 1959 and today is the site of Allan Hancock College
Allan Hancock College
Allan Hancock College is a California public community college located in Santa Maria in northern Santa Barbara County. Approximately 11,000 credit and more than 5,500 noncredit and community services students enroll each semester.-History:...
.
History
Hancock Field was founded in 1927 by Captain Allan Hancock. It was dedicated as the community's airport the following year. The Hancock Foundation College of Aeronautics was established in 1928. Ten-week classes were offered prospective pilot candidates, with successful individuals becoming licensed pilots. Graduation of the first students occurred in 1929.During World War II
World War II
World War II, or the Second World War , was a global conflict lasting from 1939 to 1945, involving most of the world's nations—including all of the great powers—eventually forming two opposing military alliances: the Allies and the Axis...
the United States Army Air Force contracted with the Hancock Foundation College of Aeronautics to provide basic flight (level 1) instruction to aviation cadets beginning on 14 September 1940. Fairchild PT-19
Fairchild PT-19
|-See also:-Bibliography:* Mondey, David. American Aircraft of World War II . London: Bounty Books, 2006. ISBN 978-0-7537-1461-4....
s were the primary trainer used. Performed contract training until 27 June 1944 with the drawdown of AAFTC's pilot training program.
Private flight training continued until the late 1950s when the airfield was closed.
See also
- California World War II Army AirfieldsCalifornia World War II Army AirfieldsDuring World War II, the United States Army Air Forces established numerous airfields in California for training pilots and aircrews of USAAF fighters and bombers.-Overview:...