The Philippine Army Air Corps was created by the Philippine National Assembly's National Defense Act of 1935. By 1940, the corps had around 40 aircraft and 100 pilots, 500 personnel, and six squadrons. In August 1941, the PAAC was inducted into the United States Army and incorporated into the Far East Air Force.
The first Philippine Army airfield (Zablan Airfield) was built outside of Manila, Luzon in 1935. At this time only three pilot trainers were available in the Philippines. Courses in flying and technical training were given in the mainland United States to selected students. After the war the airfield was closed and became Camp Emilio Aguinaldo.
On 31 July 1941 the corps consisted of 2,132 enlisted troops, under the command of 275 officers:
- Headquarters (109)
- U.S. 4th Composite Group (1,393)
- U.S. 20th Air Base Group (842)
- Tow Target Detachment (42)
- Weather Detachment (21)
Read more about Philippine Army Air Corps: Aircraft of The Imperial Japanese Army Air Force, Aircraft of The Philippine Army Air Corps – 15 May 1945 Through 1 July 1947, Philippine Army Air Corps – 8 December 1941
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