BT-13 General McGee's History

The “General McGee” is a Vultee BT-13A named in honor and memory of the famed Tuskegee Airman Brig. Gen. Charles McGee, who passed away on January 16, 2022. This BT-13A replicates the "TU-70," the trainer most often flown by McGee as a flying cadet in Tuskegee, AL in 1943.  He  went on to fly 409 combat missions during WWII, Korea, and Vietnam, the highest total in USAF history.

General McGee lived close to the Capital Wing, and would often visit and talk about the aircraft at events, particularly inspiring and encouraging young people to follow his example of military service.

The Capital Wing’s BT-13A was manufactured in Downey, CA, and delivered to the U.S. Army Air Corps in November 1942. It was used in basic pilot training at Shaw Field, SC. After the War, this “BT” was transferred to the Civil Air Patrol.

In 1970, it was purchased by Frederick Walker, Sr., who flew C-47's "Over the Hump" 60 times during World War II in the China-Burma-India theater, transitioning to C-46's.  His WWII service was followed by a career flying missions for the CIA.  When Captain Walker passed away in 1999, his family donated his BT-13 to the CAF and it was assigned to the Capital Wing based in Virginia.

General McGee's Mission

The Capital Wing regularly flies to events in seven states in the Mid-Atlantic region, which has a population of more than 45 million people, and this aircraft will be a welcome addition once restored. This BT-13 uniquely educates the public about the struggles faced by the Tuskegee Airmen, who battled racism and discrimination on the Home Front, while fighting the enemy on the War Front.

You Can Help

The Capital Wing self-funded a $54,425 engine core rebuild, and the engine is now mounted on the BT.  The Wing's maintainers are working diligently to return "TU-70" to flying status, and need your support with additional funding for a Battery ($500), Tires ($2,400), a Radio ($1,450), and ADS-B ($1,200), which totals $5,600.  We are seeking $7,500 because in any restoration project, additional items reveal themselves during the process.

Presently, we anticipate having the first engine run-up prior to the end of the year, followed by flight-testing beginning in Spring 2025.

Your donation will allow the BT-13 to resume her mission throughout the Mid-Atlantic to educate, inspire, and honor the Tuskegee Airmen through living history and flight experiences.