​The Story of BT-13A N-4566V: A Historic Aircraft

BT-13A N-4566V holds a special place in aviation history as the first aircraft owned by Frontier/Monarch Airlines. Built by Vultee in late 1941, this aircraft, Serial #41-10643, was received by the U.S. Army Air Forces (USAAF) on January 9, 1942. Initially, it served at the USAAF Basic Pilot Training School at Shaw Army Airfield in Sumter, South Carolina. Later, it was reassigned to Gunter Army Airfield in Montgomery, Alabama, on September 20, 1944. By October 28, 1944, the aircraft was declared surplus and sold at Bush Field in Augusta, Georgia.

​Transition to Civilian Life:
On May 15, 1945, the BT-13A was sold to W&B Flying School (Ray Wilson and F.W. Bonfils) for $3,800. The aircraft was modified for civilian use, receiving the registration number N-4566V. Over the years, it changed hands several times, with notable owners including J.W. Dumont, Monarch Airlines (formerly Ray Wilson Inc.), and A. Margaret Hughes.

In 1976, Dale Grashorn acquired the aircraft, which had been disassembled and stored for years. It remained in storage until October 5, 2000, when Willis Martin and Robert Jefferson Martin purchased the aircraft and brought it back to Colorado.
The Journey to Wings of Honor Museum:
In August 2021, after more than two decades in Colorado, the BT-13A was sold to the Wings of Honor Museum. Although it was never fully restored, the aircraft now serves as a static display, representing a rich legacy of military and civilian aviation history.

This aircraft not only symbolizes the early days of Frontier/Monarch Airlines but also stands as a tribute to the countless pilots trained during World War II. Visit the Wings of Honor Museum to see this remarkable piece of history up close and learn more about its fascinating journey.