Civilian pilot training

Civilian Pilot Training was a U.S. government program in the 1930s and early 1940s designed to increase the number of qualified civilian pilots. It provided aviation education and flight training to civilians, primarily to support national defense and prepare a reserve of skilled pilots in case of war. The program offered military-style instruction but was open to civilians, helping develop both commercial and private pilots. It played a key role in expanding the nation's aviation expertise and contributed to the growth of the aviation industry before and during World War II.