RCAF Station High River was a major participant in British Commonwealth Air Training Plan aircrew training during the Second World War. No. 5 Elementary Flying Training School (EFTS) was established at High River on 28 June 1941 after having moved from RCAF Station Lethbridge. Training was provided by civilian instructors from the Calgary Aero Club. De Havilland Tiger Moths were the first aircraft used. They were later replaced by Fairchild Cornells. An unprepared emergency and practice landing field, also known as a relief landing field, was located on the then dry lakebed of nearby Frank Lake. More than 4000 pilots were trained at No. 5 EFTS. The school closed on 15 December 1944. In approximately 1942 the aerodrome was listed at with a Var. 23 degrees E and elevation of . The field was listed as "Irregular all-way turf field" and had three runways listed as follows: In approximately 1942 the relief aerodrome was listed at with a Var. 23 degrees E and elevation of . The field was listed as "Dry Lake Bed" and was located at Frank Lake, east of High River, and was marked as a square measuring:  The High River aerodrome closed in December 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.