Terrell Municipal Airport holds a historic distinction as the first American airfield to host a training school for the British Royal Air Force during World War II. After successfully negotiating an agreement to establish the flight school in Terrell, local businessmen raised $35,000 in private funds to acquire the land needed to build the airport. The first classes began in 1941. To maintain the appearance of American neutrality, Royal Air Force cadets were decommissioned in Canada, traveled to Terrell to train as civilians, reenlisted in Canada, and then returned to England to join the fight.
The design of the new Major William F. Long Terminal honors the original control tower of the training school. Over 2,000 British, Canadian, and American pilots trained at the No. 1 British Flying Training School, playing a crucial role in securing an Allied victory. Today, the No. 1 BFTS Museum located on the airport grounds celebrates the enduring friendship and cooperation between Great Britain and the United States.