RCAF Station High River
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RCAF Station High River was a station of the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) located at High River, Alberta, Canada.
The Canadian Air Force began operating at High River in 1921, three years before the RCAF came into existence. In the early days, the station was the largest in Canada with ten aircraft. Most flights from High River were fire-spotting patrols over the mountains and foothills to the west. The aircraft used was the de Havilland DH4. Late in 1924 Avro Vipers began to be used.
In the early 1920s the station became involved with experimenting with radio. The most powerful radio transmitter in North America began operating from High River in 1922. Other responsibilities of the station included aerial photography and parachute experimentation.
During World War II High River was a major participant in British Commonwealth Air Training Plan aircrew training. No. 5 Elementary Flying Training School (EFTS) was established at High River in 1941 using civilian instructors. De Havilland Tiger Moths were the first aircraft used. They were later replaced by Fairchild Cornells. A relief landing field was constructed at nearby Frank Lake.
The High River aerodrome closed in October 1944. The site is no longer a functioning airport and is used for private commercial purposes. It should not be confused with the present High River Airport, which is in a different location.
