CAF Webinar: The History of the North American Aviation Plant in Dallas

Moreno Aguiari
Moreno Aguiari
Liberators were built at NAA Dallas from March 1943 to November 1944. During this time 966 fly away units were produced.
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Liberators were built at NAA Dallas from March 1943 to November 1944. During this time 966 fly away units were produced.
Liberators were built at NAA Dallas from March 1943 to November 1944. During this time 966 fly away units were produced. (Image from the CAF Collection)

This Thursday evening at 7pm CST Keegan Chetwynd, the Commemorative Air Force museum curator, will present, via webinar, research he’s conducted concerning the history of the North American Aviation plant in Dallas, Texas. This plant was the most productive aircraft factory in the entire United States during WWII; making three of America’s most important aircraft – the T-6, P-51 and B-24. More than 18,000 aircraft rolled of its production lines between 1942 and 1945; in excess of the entire aircraft output from the whole of Italy. At peak production, airplanes emerged from the factory at the rate of more than one per hour. This story is one of the most compelling aspects to having the CAF National Airbase in Dallas, and the CAF headquarters staff want their extended team to understand its importance.  In this webinar, Keegan Chetwynd will tell the forgotten story of North American Aviation in Dallas, and its pivotal role in winning the war on the home front.

The presentation will last about 45 minutes and will be recorded for future viewing, but please attend the live presentation if possible (you will be able to ask questions).

Click HERE to listen the recorded version of the presentation

 

The Assembly lines at North American ran 24 hours a day, with workers divided into three 8-hour shifts, Liberators are seen here exiting the Western end of the facility at night.
The Assembly lines at North American ran 24 hours a day, with workers divided into three 8-hour shifts, Liberators are seen here exiting the Western end of the facility at night. (Image from the CAF Collection)

Adjacent to the main Plant building was a storage Hangar for AT-6s awaiting delivery. Texans were amazed to read about the 300 foot wide door which allowed the aircraft to access the ramp. (Image from the CAF Collection)
Adjacent to the main Plant building was a storage Hangar for AT-6s awaiting delivery. Texans were amazed to read about the 300 foot wide door which allowed the aircraft to access the ramp. (Image from the CAF Collection)

AT-6 Texans fresh off the assembly line, are seen here lined up for delivery in front of the North American Plant in Dallas. The aircraft closest to the camera is going to the Navy as an SNJ-3. (Image from the CAF Collection)
AT-6 Texans fresh off the assembly line, are seen here lined up for delivery in front of the North American Plant in Dallas. The aircraft closest to the camera is going to the Navy as an SNJ-3. (Image from the CAF Collection)

Life Magazine advertising. ( Luigino Caliaro Collection)
Life Magazine advertising. ( Luigino Caliaro Collection)

Click HERE to listen the recorded version of the presentation

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Born in Milan, Italy, Moreno moved to the U.S. in 1999 to pursue a career as a commercial pilot. His aviation passion began early, inspired by his uncle, an F-104 Starfighter Crew Chief, and his father, a military traffic controller. Childhood adventures included camping outside military bases and watching planes at Aeroporto Linate. In 1999, he relocated to Atlanta, Georgia, to obtain his commercial pilot license, a move that became permanent. With 24 years in the U.S., he now flies full-time for a Part 91 business aviation company in Atlanta. He is actively involved with the Commemorative Air Force, the D-Day Squadron, and other aviation organizations. He enjoys life with his supportive wife and three wonderful children.