Nevada Aerospace Hall of Fame

Declaration of Enshrinement

October 14, 2011

Patrick A. McCarran

In 1932, Senator Patrick A. McCarran, while elected to represent Nevada in the United States Senate sponsored legislation to create a United States Air Force separate from the US Army. The bill failed to pass. However, his efforts to advance aviation continued throughout his Senate career where he sponsored aviation-related legislation that including the Civil Aeronautics Act (CAA) of 1938 that ultimately became the Federal Aviation Administration. Crucial to the nation’s defense, he sponsored the Civilian Pilot Training Act of 1939 that resulted in the training of thousands of pilots during the early years of World War II.

In 1940, Senator McCarran supported the appropriation of federal funds for construction of military and civilian airports throughout the United States, including the Las Vegas Army Airfield. He shared responsibility for sponsoring the Federal Airport Act of 1945 that enabled funding for the new airport serving Las Vegas passengers and bearing the name McCarran Field in recognition for his contributions.

For his leadership in the creation of an independent national aviation authority, advocacy of a separate air force, and development of civilian and military airfields across the United States, Senator Patrick A. McCarran has earned his place in the Nevada Aerospace Hall of Fame.

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TD BARNES, Director

Nevada Aerospace Hall of Fame