Vultee BT-13 Valiant

Aircraft Information
> Aircraft Make: Vultee Aircraft. Model: BT-13 Nickname: Valiant (or “Vibrator”)
> Aircraft Mil Civ Description: Airplane SE Piston
> FAA Category and Class: Airplane SE Land
> Engine Description: Single engine (P&W R985 @450 HP)

Aircraft Experience
> As of: 11/6/2024
> Number of Hours Flown: 1.3
> Number of Times Flown: 2
> Other Aircraft Models Associated: BT-15 (powered by Wright engine)

First Flown Information
> Sequence First Flown: 193
> Date First Flown: 4/5/2024
> Location First Flown: Blue Sky Airpark (Amarillo, TX)
> Who and/or What Organization First Flown With: Kurt Landis

Recollections: Kurt Landis, who I’d met at Oshkosh as part of the JLFC portion of the Airventure Warbirds airshow, is my hero. And it’s not just because he owns a bunch of airplanes from the T-6 to the Stearman to the Bonanza.  And it’s not just because he’s married to one of the nicest ladies you’ll ever meet, Pam.  It’s because, despite all of this and more, he’s as down to earth a person as you can find.

Anne and I were on a trip to see the total Eclipse of the sun in southern Texas in 2024 and Kurt invited us to stop by his place and maybe go flying.  One thing led to another and I actually got to fly his BT-13.  What a cool airplane.  Not fast, not smooth (the informal name “Vibrator” tells you the story), but–for sure–cool.  It was easy to fly, a good step between the WWII PT-17/19 and the retractable gear and more complex T-6.  It was wonderful to get to witness this intermediate trainer’s characteristics in person and I’ll always be thankful to Kurt for the opportunity.