History
This American basic trainer aircraft was sold as surplus in 1947 and eventually donated to the CAF in 1978. Originally a BT-13A, it was used to help CAF pilots qualify for the Tora Demonstration Team. In 1991, members modified the BT-13 to resemble a Japanese Val dive bomber. Designated Val BI 257/AI 257, the aircraft became a regular feature at airshows, flown by the CAF’s TORA TORA TORA Team in reenactments of the bombing of Pearl Harbor.
Project
The aircraft was dismantled entirely during the restoration process to address each component. Despite some unexpected issues, the goal remains to restore it to complete flying condition for flight operations. Wing members have completed engine repairs, and the engine is ready for installation. Propeller components have been overhauled and the landing gear is being restored off-site. The team is committed to bringing the aircraft back to operational status.
Objective
The Wing uses the restoration process as an educational tool, allowing students to help bring the Val back to life. Once complete, the BT-13A Val replica will appear at local events, sharing the story of Gen. David “Tex” Hill, the Wing’s namesake, an American fighter pilot and triple flying ace during World War II. The Tex Hill Wing aims to inspire visitors with the powerful legacy of the men, women, and equipment that helped secure peace during the War, continuing to honor this critical chapter of history.
ABOUT 12 PLANES OF CHRISTMAS
Each year the CAF holds an annual fundraiser to help support and highlight aircraft projects for planes in need of restoration, maintenance or repairs. Donors may contribute to a specific aircraft project or to the CAF’s Restoration Grant Fund.
Don’t want to donate online?
Call 877-767-7175,
ext. 105 or mail check to: CAF Headquarters, P.O. Box 764769, Dallas,
TX, 75376
The Restoration Grant Fund
The Restoration Grant
Fund is a dollar-for-dollar match program created to help aircraft
projects with the most need get back into the air faster.
Giving to a Specific Aircraft Project
If you
have a particular affinity for an airplane, you can make a direct
contribution to the aircraft.
Perks
Our ”Tex” Hill Wing Cap. This can be picked up in person at “Tex” Hill Wing, Stinson Airport in San Antonio, or shipped directly to you. We will contact you about your delivery preference.
Our ”Tex” Hill Wing Patch and Challenge Coin. This can be picked up in person at “Tex” Hill Wing, Stinson Airport in San Antonio, or shipped directly to you. We will contact you about your delivery preference.
A unique ”Tex” Hill Wing Gift Basket. It is filled with items from our store and will include a “Tex” Hill Wing Cap, T-shirt, San Antonio Fiesta Medals, and more. This can be picked up in person at “Tex” Hill Wing, Stinson Airport in San Antonio, or shipped directly to you. We will contact you about your delivery preference.
Receive a private one-person flight on the SNJ “Ole Yeller” with one of our pilots. Spend the day at “Tex” Hill Wing…, where you can meet the pilots, engineers, and wing members who keep “Ole Yeller” flying. Flight time is one hour. The passenger must be at least 18 years old. We will contact you after the campaign ends to schedule.
Highlights
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Meet the team
Our ”Tex” Hill Wing Cap. This can be picked up in person at “Tex” Hill Wing, Stinson Airport in San Antonio, or shipped directly to you. We will contact you about your delivery preference.
Our ”Tex” Hill Wing Patch and Challenge Coin. This can be picked up in person at “Tex” Hill Wing, Stinson Airport in San Antonio, or shipped directly to you. We will contact you about your delivery preference.
A unique ”Tex” Hill Wing Gift Basket. It is filled with items from our store and will include a “Tex” Hill Wing Cap, T-shirt, San Antonio Fiesta Medals, and more. This can be picked up in person at “Tex” Hill Wing, Stinson Airport in San Antonio, or shipped directly to you. We will contact you about your delivery preference.
Receive a private one-person flight on the SNJ “Ole Yeller” with one of our pilots. Spend the day at “Tex” Hill Wing…, where you can meet the pilots, engineers, and wing members who keep “Ole Yeller” flying. Flight time is one hour. The passenger must be at least 18 years old. We will contact you after the campaign ends to schedule.
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