SHE FLIES!!!
Valiant Effort Foundation
Preserving the past for the future.
Thank you for visiting Valiant Effort LLC, a grassroots organization dedicated to the maintenance and operation of a 1941 Vultee BT-13A Valiant, a military basic flight trainer used by all the armed forces in the United States in World War 2. Our current mission goals are as follows:
Restoration
Over the past five years, Valiant Effort has been fully committed to restoring our BT-13A to an airworthy state. Hundreds of man hours through a cadre of dedicated and experienced mechanics have been invested in this ongoing project thus far, and we are quickly closing in on our first live engine tests! Our ultimate goal is to return the aircraft to a flyable state so that it may resume making appearances at air shows and other public venues.
“Living Exhibit” Education
Once the restoration has been satisfactorily completed and the aircraft has been certified to fly, our BT-13A will continue to do what she has done best - to educate the general public on HOW World War 2 aviators and aviatrixes in the US earned their wings prior to deployment for combat or other auxiliary duties during that timeframe. Nothing comes close to accomplishing that than to physically see and touch one of those trainers such as our BT-13A.
Now Available
Greg Gibson of Props & Gears has created a collection of merchandiset celebrating Annie and all other BT-13s around the world. All set an actual image of ol’ 59842 against a weathered American flag, and includes the Vultee Aircraft logo. Additionally, it highlights our partnership with the Association of Professional Warbird Operators, whom we are eternally grateful for their support during this restoration. Please visit the page here for your Annie themed merch
A portion of the proceeds from its sale will go directly to the restoration/operation costs of Annie. It will be offered in a variety and colors and sizes so that almost every supporter can proudly display their love and affection for their favorite Valiant!
Latest News
October 2, 2025
For longtime airport dwellers at Palo Alto Airport, the sound was eerily familiar - a droning rumble from from a tiny speck in the eastern sky. Those in the know would be aware that it couldn’t be the field’s resident T-6 Texan; that was in its hangar getting prepped for the following day. The rumble got louder and louder as the aircraft drew closer. Before long, they saw the unmistakable silhouette of “a fixed gear Texan” enter the pattern, gleaming in the skies over the field, the red/white/blue rudder and “E524” clearly visible!
Annie was back!!!
Annie's Day at Palo Alto's Airport Day!!!It was nearly seven years since Palo Alto last saw 41-21218, October 18, 2018 to be precise! The return to her old stomping grounds should’ve been reason enough to call it a day and have a celebratory drink! But this was no usual visit, as Annie was scheduled to make an appearance at Palo Alto Airport Day, her first event in over seven years! The very next day, she and her crew welcomed hundreds of visitors into her world. Most were just itching to see what it was like to sit in a WW2 era aircraft, more than a few were very interested in knowing what she did during that conflict; all walked away with ear-to-ear smiles and an appreciation for our plucky trainer!
It was a great “dipping a toe back into the pond” experience for all involved, as well as a triumphant validation for all the hard work everyone did to get her back in the skies!!!
Monthly Newsletter
For the fastest way to catch up on the current situation with our BT-13’s restoration, click on the following links.
January 2024February 2024March 2024April 2024May 2024June 2024July 2024August 2024September 2024October 2024November 2024December 2024January 2025February 2025March 2025April 2025Valiant Effort LLC would like to extend a warm “thank you” to the following organizations for their continued interest in our project. Please help us return the favor in visiting their websites.
