roving (#11074),
This is very interesting. The six BFTS were set up at the same time (mid-1941) as the all-USAAC "Arnold Scheme" Schools, to which I (and 7,884) other LACs were sent for training (up to 1943, but the BFTS continued to the end). We got 4,493 pilots back (the washout rate of 43% was horrendous).
We already knew (there is a lot on this Thread about this around Page 114 et seq) that the BFTS were required to take 10% USAAC Cadets in their intake (obviously for the purpose of comparison of the training syllabi). But the explanation of their "flying start" may be:
From my old "Arnold" File:
"This article has been taken from the "Air 41" History of BFTSs in USA held in the Public Records Office, Kew Gardens, London"....
..."The six BFTSs were, with opening dates:
1 BFTS Terrell, Texas 9 June 1941 *
2 BFTS Lancaster, California 9 June 1941 *
3 BFTS Miami. Oklahoma 16 June 1941 *
4 BFTS Mesa, Arizona 16 June 1941 *
5 BFTS Clewiston, Florida 17 July 1941 *
6 BFTS Ponca City, Oklahoma 23 August 1941
7 BFTS Sweetwater, Texas May 1942 but closed August 1942
* All but No. 6 started their training at other bases until their permanent bases were opened in July/August 1941" ....
Danny42C.