North American AT-6D Texan

Aaron Taylor |Twisted Texan Airshows

This airplane was built by North American Aviation in 1944 at the Dallas, Texas factory. Its first assignment was as an advanced trainer for aviation cadets at the US Military Academy West Point. It was one of only a very few AT-6 Texans that ever flew at West Point.

After WWII the airplane was stationed at various bases around the US including many bases here in Texas. In the early 1950’s it was loaned to Canada to be used for pilot training while Canada was building their own trainers called the Harvard. Once returned to the USAF it was eventually sent to Anchorage, Alaska where it was one of the six T-6 Texans that were used to form the Alaska Air National Guard.

By the mid 1950’s the Air Force was moving rapidly toward jets and this T-6 was surplus to the military’s needs. So, it was sold into civilian ownership and in 1970 was purchased by a WWII veteran in Pennsylvania. He was instrumental in preserving this airplane in flyable condition and had it painted in the markings that you see on it today.

Aaron purchased the airplane in 2010 and takes great pride in being its current caretaker and hopes to continue to care for and display this North American AT-6D for many years to come. It is a true piece of American history.

About Aaron

A native Texan, Aaron took to the skies at just 14 years old and soloed by his 16th birthday. Today. When he’s not flying airshows, he serves as a Captain for a major U.S. airline.

What drives him most is honoring the brave men and women of the U.S. Armed Forces. Aaron is deeply committed to preserving their legacy – keeping their stories alive through the restoration and flight of historic aircraft that once defended our nation.