Historic WWII Airstrip in Central California Acquired by New Owner
The storied Eagle Field airstrip, a pivotal site for pilot training during World War II, has changed hands in Central California. Its history dates back to 1942, when it was established south of Dos Palos and north of Firebaugh, shortly after the United States entered WWII following the Pearl Harbor attack.
Jim Bertao, Eagle Field historian and manager of the WWII museum at Eagle Field, highlighted the airstrip’s unique features. “Because pilots were getting killed very rapidly during the war, the United States had to keep training new men all the time and find those who wanted to become a pilot,” Bertao explained. Eagle Field was renowned as a “country club” among training bases, offering amenities like a swimming pool and a bowling alley.
Racing and Entertainment Hub
Recently, Eagle Field served as a venue for drag racing events since 2009. These events featured hot rods and drag racing vehicles, attracting fans from as far as Oregon, Nevada, and Arizona. The location’s seclusion minimized noise complaints, allowing the area to thrive as a racing hub.
Hangars at Eagle Field were also utilized for annual fly-in, dinner-and-dance parties, providing both entertainment and funds to support the WWII museum. Chris Lopes, a long-time sponsor and participant in the Eagle Field Drags, remarked, “It wasn’t a perfect place for drag racing, but it was a lot of fun. A lot of great memories.”
Training Pilots for War
During the 1940s, Eagle Field was among several airbases established in California to train pilots, partly due to its strategic location and favorable weather. The rigorous 10-week program included training on aircraft such as the Ryan PT-22 and Stearman PT-17. Successful cadets advanced to bases like Castle Air Force Base for advanced training.
Approximately 5,000 pilots completed their initial training at Eagle Field. Bertao noted the site’s safety record, saying, “Talk about motivation,” with only three fatalities over the 30-month training period.
New Ownership and Future Plans
Post-WWII, Eagle Field transitioned to roles like plane storage and crop dusting. Eventually, it was acquired by Joe Davis, a WWII enthusiast aiming to restore its historical essence. Recently, Davis sold the airstrip and surrounding land to Guy Kaplinsky, CEO of the flying car company AKSA. While Kaplinsky plans to renovate the facility, specific details remain undisclosed.
Due to rising costs, the drag racing events have relocated to Mendota Raceway Park. Reflecting on the move, Rocky Phillips, director of Eagle Field Drags, expressed, “There hadn’t been races in Fresno County for 40 years until we got that started… It’s a sad deal that we couldn’t come to terms with the new owner. It’s emotional. But life moves on.”
