Restoration is in the final stretch!
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
April 6, 2025
Welcome to April, everyone! Logistics, mainly in the form of getting what we need to have our Left Flap restored, has slowed down things over here in Hangar 172. Still, progress is still “progressing”, albeit at a slower pace. With the covering of the Left Flap more or less at a standstill, the main focus over the last few weeks has been avionics, and our radio gurus have been hitting it hard to give Annie back her “voice”. And a voice she now has! Taurus, Charlie, and Christopher - you three are awesome!!! All this is covered in our April Newsletter!
On a separate note, we are also proud to announce that our own line of internally-produced merchandise is about to go live! In about a week or two, this site will have it’s own small selection of custom designed items that, along with those already available on the Props and Gear site, will allow you all to show your support for your beloved Annie! Keep an eye out on our Facebook page for the launch announcement!
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.
