British Commonwealth Air Training Plan

The British Commonwealth Air Training Plan (BCATP) was a cooperative program established during World War II to train aircrew for the Allied forces. Formed in 1940 by Britain, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand, the BCATP provided a structured training system using Canadian facilities due to its safe environment. It trained hundreds of thousands of pilots, navigators, and other aviation specialists, significantly contributing to the Allied war effort. The BCATP not only helped to meet the urgent demand for trained personnel in the air but also strengthened ties among the Commonwealth countries.