“The Pilot Maker” was the name the North America T-6 Texan earned over the years. With over 17,000 produced in several versions these planes trained countless thousands of would-be pilots from every corner of the world. This little plane had a 58-year career in military service from 1938 until 1996 when the South African Air Force became the last air force in the world to retire their T-6. Even after most militaries retired the plane hundreds if not thousands of them found a new life in civilian service.
During WWII approximately 1,847 AT-6A were produced. Luke Field AT-6A’s were bare metal with red/white rudder stripes, horizontal cowl stripes, black anti-glare panels and a fuselage code X and 3 numbers. An estimated 17,000 pilots were trained at Luke on the AT-6A and other aircraft. The field is named after WWI ace 2nd Lt. F. Luke Jr. who posthumously received the Congressional Medal of Honor for 18 confirmed victories in 17 days. Wounded he landed behind enemy lines and rather than surrender Luke drew his revolver and during the encounter was killed.
MILITARY AIRCRAFT 
