Chinese Flying Club of Portland facts for kids
The Chinese Flying Club of Portland (CFCP) was a special flying school that started in 1932. It was created because Japan had taken over a part of China called Manchuria. People from all over the world gave money, about $20,000, to help fund this club.
The club first started at Christofferson Airport. Later, it moved to Swan Island Airport in Portland, Oregon. Al Greenwood was the main flight instructor. Sometimes, people even called it the "Al Greenwood Flying School."
Training Future Pilots
Every student at the CFCP made a serious promise. They pledged they would be ready to risk their lives for China. In total, 32 Chinese-American students trained in Portland. After their training, they were sent to China.
The first group of students left for Canton, China in August 1932. A second group of 17 students followed in March 1933. They joined the air force in northern China. Sadly, two students died in China. Virginia Wong died from malaria before she could start her mission. Millard Chung died during a bombing practice.
Famous Pilots from CFCP
Some very well-known pilots trained at this club. These include Hazel Ying Lee, John Wong Pan-Yang, Louie Yim-qun, and Arthur Chin. They became important figures in aviation history.
Other Chinese Flying Clubs
The Chinese Flying Club of Portland was likely the biggest flying club for Chinese-American pilots before World War II. But it wasn't the only one! Other similar clubs existed across the United States. For example, there was the Chinese Patriotic Flying Club in Boston. The Chinese Aeronautical Association was in Los Angeles. These clubs helped train many pilots who wanted to support China.
