This year marks a monumental milestone for Neal Aircraft as the family celebrates 80 years in business. From the treacherous “Hump” missions of World War II to the modern agricultural skies of West Texas, the Neal family has built a legacy of grit, passion, and “one-stop shopping” hospitality.
Now led by the third generation, the business continues to thrive at the Larry T. Neal Memorial Airport, honoring a history that began with a single Piper dealership in 1946.
The Foundation: Roy Neal and the “Skyway to Hell”
The story begins with family patriarch Roy Neal, whose adventurous spirit led him from a “banana boat” in Cuba to the cockpit of a C-46 during World War II.
War Heroism: Between April and July 1945, Roy flew 48 missions in the China-Burma-India theatre.
The Hump: He traversed “The Hump,” a dangerous airlift route over the Himalayas known as the “Skyway to Hell” due to extreme weather and rugged terrain.
Entrepreneurial Grit: After the war, Roy was turned down by multiple bankers who claimed there was “no future in aviation”. Undeterred, he secured a loan from Lubbock National Bank and founded Wes-Tex Aircraft in 1946.
A Pioneer: Roy expanded the business to include flight instruction, rentals, and even established Roy Neal Insurance when he realized no one in the area knew how to insure an airplane.
The Second Generation: Larry Neal and the Move to Slaton
Roy’s son, Larry Neal, literally grew up at the airport, fueling jets and learning the trade from the age of 10.
Military Service: In 1968, Larry left his final exams at Texas Tech to enlist in the Army, eventually serving 13 months in Air Traffic Control during the Vietnam War.
The Pivot to Air Tractor: After returning to the family business, Larry navigated a major shift when Piper merged with Textron. He formed a lasting partnership with Leland Snow, and Neal Aircraft began selling Air Tractors in 1986.
A Lasting Tribute: Larry was instrumental in moving the operation to Slaton, Texas, to better serve agricultural pilots. In 2019, the city honored his contributions by renaming the airfield the Larry T. Neal Memorial Airport.
The Third Generation: Robert Neal and the Future
Today, Robert Neal carries the torch. After a successful career in the pharmaceutical industry, Robert returned home to work alongside his father and ensure the family legacy reached its current 80-year peak.
Family First: Robert and his wife Cory are raising the next generation of Neals, who can often be found working at the airport during the summers, just as Larry once did.
Continued Excellence: Under Robert’s leadership, Neal Aircraft remains a hub for Texas hospitality, supporting a unique aviation community that includes museums, flight schools, and specialized mechanics.