Kelly No. 2 Flight Line Plaque

What if I told you this seemingly ordinary parking lot outside Building 1600 at Kelly Air Force Base hides a thrilling secret? Right here, marked by the “Kelly No. 2 Flight Line” plaque, once roared a legendary aviation hub. The Kelly No. 2 Flight Line wasn’t just a strip of concrete. It was the heart of American aviation training from 1917 to 1942. Established north of the original Kelly Field, it quickly became a bustling air city. Imagine rows of hangars, warehouses, barracks, repair shops, classrooms, and maintenance buildings. This very spot pulsed with activity, shaping the future of flight. Kelly No. 2 became known as the Air Corps Advanced Flying School. It produced some of the greatest American aviators, including Charles Lindbergh and Claire Chennault. These aviation legends honed their skills right here, taking to the skies above this very ground. Kelly No. 2 played a vital role in World War I, training thousands of pilots and mechanics. The air thrummed with the constant buzz of training aircraft. The original flight line stretched a staggering 2400 yards west and 125 yards east of this plaque. Sadly, progress has a price. In 1955, the need for a longer runway, capable of accommodating larger aircraft, led to the demolition of the historic Kelly No. 2 Flight Line. Though the physical structures are gone, the legacy of this place remains strong. This plaque serves as a reminder of the pivotal role Kelly No. 2 played in shaping American aviation history. As you stand here today, remember the echoes of roaring engines and the dreams of those who took flight from this hallowed ground.