 Sept 16, 1939, first successful participation in federally sponsored training in aeronautics. - see Evans letter above |
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 Wertz Airfield |
Wertz Airfield: On July 4, 1930, Wertz Field became the first airport in the Charleston area to schedule air services. The airfield, located just west of West Virginia State College (WVSC), was named in honor of Charleston Mayor, W.W. Wertz. When operations commmenced, the airfield was leased to West Virginia Airways, Inc. By 1935, Wertz Field accommodated American Airlines, Pennsylvania Central Airlines, and offered freight-shipping services. In 1937, WVSC began the process of creating a Civilian Pilot Training Program with the goal of preparing young men for military aviation service. In 1939, the Civilian Aeronautics Authority authorized the Civilian Pilot Training Program, making it one of the early Negro Civilian Pilot Training Schools. The program included classroom-style courses and flying lessons at Wertz Field. A majority of the individuals enrolled in the program were African-American students at WVSC. The images on the left link to: WVSC Civilian Pilot Training Program recruitment flyers used from 1940-1942. By 1942, advancements in aviation technology began to highlight some inadequate characteristics of Wertz Field. Newer, larger, modern planes needed longer runways to meet takeoff and landing needs. As this issue became a reality, the decision to close Wertz Field was made in May of 1942. Wertz Field trained many pilots; some of which went to Tuskegee and then World War II. Reflecting on the significence of Wertz Field and the Civilian Pilot Training Program, it is imperative to understand the sacrifice many WVSC students made during this fragile time of world history. The connection between Wertz Airfield, West Virginia State College, and the town of Institute make the story of Wertz Field one of the most intriguing stories of the university's history. |
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 Wertz Airfield Aerial View c.1940s |
 Early Aeronautics Program at West Virginia State College West Virginia State College Bulletin, Series 52, No. 1, Feb 1964 |
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 Civilian Pilot Training Program 1940 - 1941 |
 Wertz Airfield - Learn to Fly 2 1941 - 1942 |
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 Civilian Pilot Training Program 1942 |
 Evans letter 30 April 1948 |
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 First Solo at Wertz Field 1940 |
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