Commemorative Air Force: WWII Planes Flying Near Us
Published 8 November 2026
The Commemorative Air Force is a national nonprofit that restores and flies World War II era airplanes, and its newest local unit, the Border Eagles Squadron, is based at the War Eagles Air Museum in Santa Teresa. The squadron keeps a Fairchild PT-19, the first airplane many World War II pilots ever flew, and anyone interested in vintage aircraft can join.
Rob Hicks flew that PT-19 up from Santa Teresa to put it on display at the Alamogordo airport open house on November 7. Standing next to it, in his leather flight jacket, he walked me through the history.
What is the Commemorative Air Force?
Rob described the Commemorative Air Force as a national organization dedicated to preserving and flying World War II era airplanes. It is based in Dallas, with squadrons all around the country. It is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, and Rob explained that any money it brings in goes right back into maintaining and restoring the aircraft.
The local unit, the Border Eagles Squadron, started about a year ago and serves the West Texas and Southern New Mexico area. It is based at the War Eagles Air Museum at the Doña Ana County International Jetport in Santa Teresa, a museum with its own collection of historic aircraft. Rob said the squadron received its PT-19 about six months ago.
Why is the PT-19 such a big deal?
Rob gave me a quick lesson. In World War II, the PT-19 was a primary trainer, the very first airplane new pilots would fly. Once they mastered it, they moved up to the advanced trainer, the T-6. When they finished that, they earned their Army Air Forces wings and went on to fly fighters such as the P-51 and P-47. A silver T-6 was parked nearby at the open house, so you could see that whole path in one glance.
| Trainer | Where it fit in World War II pilot training |
|---|---|
| PT-19 | Primary trainer, the first airplane a new pilot flew |
| T-6 | Advanced trainer, flown before earning wings |
| P-51, P-47 and others | Combat aircraft flown after graduation |
What is a tailwheel airplane?
I had to ask, and Rob's answer was so clear I want to share it. The PT-19 is a tailwheel airplane: two main wheels up front and a small wheel under the tail, so it sits nose up and lands that way too. Almost all airplanes in the 1920s, 30s and 40s were built like this.
Most modern airplanes are tricycle gear, with the third wheel under the nose instead, like the red and white Piper parked beside it. Rob explained that tricycle gear planes are stable on the ground and tend to straighten themselves out, while tailwheel planes take extra skill to land because they can swing around in what pilots call a ground loop. Keep it straight with the rudders and it does great, "They're a lot of fun to fly," he said, "but they are a little bit of a challenge."
Can anyone join the Commemorative Air Force?
Yes. You do not need to be a pilot or a veteran. According to the CAF membership page, adults 18 and older join as a CAF Colonel for $225 a year, active duty, Guard and Reserve members get a discounted $125 rate, and students ages 13 to 17 can join as cadets.
To actually fly the squadron's planes, Rob said you need to be a rated pilot with the right experience, including tailwheel time for the PT-19, and the pilots who fly pay a little extra and help maintain the aircraft. Rob told me the Border Eagles usually meet once a month, on the fourth Saturday, at the War Eagles Air Museum in Santa Teresa. The squadron posts updates on its Facebook page, so check there before you make the drive.
What does this mean for people living in or moving to Alamogordo?
One of the things I love about living here is how much aviation history surrounds us, from Holloman to the Space Museum. Having a flying World War II trainer a short drive away in Santa Teresa makes a great day trip, and if your family has a veteran who flew or a kid who loves airplanes, it is a special way to connect. You can find more flying groups in my guide to aviation groups in Alamogordo, and more local ideas on my What's in Alamogordo page.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Commemorative Air Force?
It is a national 501(c)(3) nonprofit, based in Dallas, that preserves and flies World War II era aircraft. It has squadrons all around the country, including the Border Eagles Squadron in Santa Teresa.
Where is the Border Eagles Squadron based?
It is based at the War Eagles Air Museum at the Doña Ana County International Jetport in Santa Teresa, New Mexico.
What is a PT-19?
The Fairchild PT-19 was a World War II primary trainer. It was the first airplane many Army Air Forces pilots learned to fly.
Do I have to be a pilot to join the Commemorative Air Force?
No. Membership is open to anyone 18 or older, and students 13 to 17 can join as cadets. Flying the aircraft requires a pilot certificate and the right experience.
How much does Commemorative Air Force membership cost?
A CAF Colonel membership is $225 a year. Active duty, Guard and Reserve members can join for $125 a year.
Details come from my conversation with Rob Hicks at the Alamogordo airport open house on November 7, 2026, and the Commemorative Air Force website, as of 8 November 2026. Check the squadron's Facebook page for meeting dates.