The NSFK was founded on 15 April 1937 as a successor to the German Air Sports Association; the latter had been active during the years when a German air force was forbidden by the Treaty of Versailles. The NSFK organisation was based closely on the paramilitary organisation of the Sturmabteilung (SA). A similar group was the National Socialist Motor Corps (NSKK). During the early years of its existence, the NSFK conducted military aviation training in gliders and private aeroplanes.

This confidential Gestetner study of Nazi Germany's foremost training agency for the Luftwaffe was compiled in preparation for the occupation of Germany. According to this report, the NSDAP was considered an establishment easily transformed into an organised set-up to function as a source of disaffection. Nazi 'ideological camaraderie' was especially evident in the units of this formation, and it was certain that the NSFK did boast a particularly strong grip on Germany's youth.