Madison Air
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The Madison Airport Then

In early 1940, General “Hap” Arnold, Commander of the Army Air Corps, made a crucial verbal agreement with Mr. Oliver L. Parks, President of Parks Air College, to build facilities and organize staff for pilot training. This agreement, later formalized with a contract, was a testament to the trust civilian leaders had in General Arnold, who urgently needed their help to meet President Roosevelt’s ambitious goal of producing 50,000 airplanes a year in response to the threat posed by the German Luftwaffe.

In June 1940, the Mississippi Institute of Aeronautics, Inc. (MIA) purchased 220 acres of land south of Madison Station to build an airfield. Construction progressed rapidly, with the first hangar completed by mid-August and additional facilities nearing completion by November. The first training aircraft, Boeing PT-17 “Kaydets,” arrived on September 1, 1940, and by mid-September, the first class of cadets began their primary flight training. Over 3,000 cadets eventually received their initial flight training at this site.

The MIA staff, including skilled mechanics like L. M. “Frenchie” Jacob and Jim White, played a vital role in maintaining the aircraft and ensuring the success of the training program. The mechanics’ proficiency was demonstrated through their ability to quickly replace engines and keep the aircraft in peak condition. The airfield also utilized auxiliary grass fields for training, and at its peak, the facility had about 85 aircraft and up to 240 cadets in training simultaneously.

An Important Part of Madison’s History

The airfield, initially named Madison Field, underwent several name changes, eventually becoming Bruce Campbell Field in 1953 to honor a local aviation figure. After World War II, the airfield transitioned to civilian use, with portions of the property repurposed for community services. In 1948, the airport was deeded to Madison for public aviation use. The three World War II-era hangars have been nominated for the National Register of Historic Places, and the airport continues to be an important part of the Madison community.