A.T. (Alvin Thomas) Morgan — National Agricultural Aviation Hall of Fame
Background
- Born: August 11, 1911, near Crowley, Louisiana
- Died: 1984
- Family: Wife, Lena Morgan
Aviation & Agricultural Aviation Career
- Early Work and Flight Training:
- Grew up on a rice farm; developed an early interest in aviation, worked at airports, earned his private pilot certificate
- Gained extensive experience by washing and maintaining aircraft as well as flying
- WWII Contribution:
- Became a civilian instructor for the Air Force, training cadets in Texas for four years
- Postwar Leadership:
- Returned to Louisiana in 1947, became a corporate pilot for W.T. Burton Industries
- Co-founded Morgan & Watson, Inc., starting with two Stearmans and later expanding to multiple converted agricultural planes
- After partner Harry Watson retired, A.T. renamed the company Morgan Crop Service, Inc., subsequently expanding to additional locations in Kaplan, LA; Anahuac, TX; and Leland, MS
- Innovated rice seeding by air in the Southeast, making his service one of the best-known in ag aviation
Industry Contributions and Achievements
- Aircraft and Training Innovation:
- Pioneered numerous operational and mechanical improvements to his aircraft fleet to better serve farmers
- Hired and trained a number of early pilots, many who became state or regional ag aviation leaders
- Leadership Roles:
- Served as President of the Louisiana Agriculture Aviation Association (first person to serve two consecutive terms)
- Charter member of the National Aerial Applicators Association (NAAA); served as the first Treasurer and later as Secretary
- Instrumental in forming the NAAA after separating from the National Aviation Trades Association in 1968
- Assisted in organizing and supporting the creation and passage of FAR Part 137 (the foundational FAA regulation for ag aviation operations)
Professional & Civic Service
- Assistant Commissioner of Agriculture for the State of Louisiana
- Served 12 years on the Louisiana Pesticide Advisory Board, providing significant direction on aerial application matters
Recognition & Awards
- 1976 recipient of the “Agrinaut” Award
- Member of the inaugural NAAA Board of Directors
Legacy
- Remembered as an innovator, teacher, advisor, and deeply dedicated professional in ag aviation
- Provided a model of growth, technical progress, and operational excellence for a generation of ag pilots and operators across Louisiana, Mississippi, Texas, and beyond
