Recruitment

WAFS

Love initially sent out telegrams to 83 of America’s best women pilots, recruiting them as civilian pilots for the WAFS. The requirements were:

21-35 years old
Logged at least 500 flying hours
Hold a commercial license
Hold a 200-horsepower engine rating
Recent cross-country flying experience

Ultimately, 28 women met these rigorous standards and were recruited to serve in the WAFS in the Ferry Command under the ATC.

WFTD

25,000 applications for the WFTD were submitted following Cochran’s call for women pilots. The requirements were:

21-35 years old
Logged at least 200 flying hours
American citizen
High school graduate
Pass the written cadet exam
Pass an Army physical

Of the 130 who responded to applications sent by Cochran, 30 were selected for the first class and notified by telegram to report to training at their own expense.