Produced in an era of an America unprepared for war, and in the wake of the Air Corps' loss of prestige in the "Air Mail Fiasco" of the year before, West Point of the Air was recognized for its value as a "recruiting poster" for the military. The review in The New York Times, emphasized that aspect of the film, "The Hollywood cinema continues its arguments on behalf of preparedness in "West Point of the Air," which chants the glories of the military service and the importance of iron discipline."
Released during a period when America was ill-equipped for war, and after the Air Corps suffered a loss of prestige in the "Air Mail Fiasco" of the previous year, West Point of the Air was recognized as an effective means of recruiting military personnel. A review in The New York Times emphasized this point, noting that the film championed the importance of military service and discipline.