Retired Air Force Col. Charles McGee unveils a replica of the aircraft he piloted during his training in 1943 as a Tuskegee Airman. The BT-13 replica was introduced during the 2010 Joint Service Open House, May 15, 2010, on Joint Base Andrews, Md. (U.S. Navy photo/MC2 George Trian)

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Retired Air Force Col. Charles McGee, an original member of the Tuskegee Airmen, steps out onto the wing of the replicated BT-13 during the 2010 Joint Service Open House, held May 15, 2010, on Joint Base Andrews, Md. (U.S. Navy photo/MC2 George Trian)

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Retired Air Force Col. Charles McGee, an original member of the Tuskegee Airmen, sits in the cockpit of the replicated BT-13 during the 2010 Joint Service Open House, held May 15, 2010, on Joint Base Andrews, Md. The colonel's name is featured on the side of the aircraft. (U.S. Navy photo/MC2 George Trian)

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Retired Air Force Col. Charles McGee, an original member of the Tuskegee Airman, sits in the cockpit of the replicated BT-13 during the 2010 Joint Service Open House, held May 15, 2010, on Joint Base Andrews, Md. (U.S. Navy photo/MC2 George Trian)

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Retired Air Force Col. Charles McGee, an original member of the Tuskegee Airmen, sits in the cockpit of the replicated BT-13 named in his honor. The aircraft was featured during the 2010 Joint Service Open House, held May 15, 2010, on Joint Base Andrews, Md. (U.S. Navy photo/MC2 George Trian)

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Retired Air Force Col. Charles McGee, an original member of the Tuskegee Airman, proudly watches aircraft perform during the 2010 Joint Service Open House,held May 15, 2010, on Joint Base Andrews, Md. (U.S. Navy photo/MC2 George Trian)

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Tuskegee Airmen trainer replica debuts at Andrews Air Show

Published May 15, 2010
By Cristie Varvaro
JSOH Joint Information Bureau

JOINT BASE ANDREWS, Md. -- A member of the original Tuskegee Airmen unveiled a replica of the aircraft used to train the Air Force's first black pilots during WWII, at the Joint Service Open House here May 15.

Retired Col. Charles McGee flew the BT-13 more than any other pilot during his training in 1943.

"It's hard to tell someone what it feels like to fly in what I call the third dimension," said the colonel, standing next to the replica. "It's just a thrill, almost beyond explanation. To experience a sunset at 45,000 feet and watch the stars come out is beautiful."

The replica, a TU-70 called the "Tuskegee Trainer," closely resembles the BT-13 aircraft. It is dedicated to retired Gen. Benjamin O. Davis, Jr., combat leader of the Tuskegee Airmen, and Mr. McGee.

The restoration of the replica is an initiative of the National Capitol Squadron of the Commemorative Air Force.

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