Valiant Effort Foundation
Preserving the past for the future.
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Latest News
October 22, 2025
With the success of Palo Alto Day now behind us, the Foundation moves on with the ongoing process of cementing Annie’s newfound airworthy status! Not to say that there’s any doubt about it; as with any “new machine”, there’s that period of “break-in” where you operate it for a given amount of time and then do a close inspection to see how well things are holding up.
For Annie, that amount of time is 25 hours. As Greg outlines is his ever-excellent newsletter, it is at the end of this timeframe where things are taken apart and are given a good look at, particularly the engine. So the edict is “fly it so we can get to it!” For the pilots, the response was almost comic as we ( sarcasm coming ;) ) “rolled our eyes and let out an exasperated “oh darn!”” LMAO!
Orders are orders, though. And it is being put to good use. Each flight is a chance to verify the restoration is solid, to conduct some training to the new pilots, to feel out the minute changes to the plane’s mannerisms, and expose the aircraft to the public.
And I’m pretty sure Charlotte, our new Director of Media, isn’t going to waste the opportunity, either. ;)
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!
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.
