Valiant Effort Foundation
Preserving the past for the future.
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Latest News
Aug 17, 2026
It’s that time of the year. Components need to be inspected, fluids need to be changed, and an inspector needs to do the inspecting.
Annual is upon us. So off Annie goes for a lengthy period of downtime.
For those not in the know, the Annual is a mandatory government inspection that occurs every twelve months. In the world of aviation, it is the time where an aircraft is determined by the FAA to be safe to fly for another year. It mainly covers the engine, the propeller, the airframe, and the avionics. It is a comprehensive check, intended to make sure that everything that makes an airplane work… works.
But it is also a time where an operator can make make a hard look at things that might be made better. Since the aircraft is largely taken apart for the Annual, Greg and his cohorts are taking the opportunity to address improvements that we’ve had planned out. We’ve been looking at updating our brakes and tail wheel; this is the ideal time to do so. May as well also look harder at how things that were fixed during the restoration are holding up.
As with all things mechanically related to aviation, it is these times that Greg, Chris, Charlie, Taurus, and Keith truly shine. Annie doesn’t fly unless they work their magic. As with mechanics back in the heyday of the BT-13, they are the largely unseen individuals that make appreciating our Valiant possible.
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:
Upkeep
After a painstaking restoration that took nearly seven years, Annie is back in the skies, and it goes without saying that keeping her that way is “Priority Number One”! Our Vultee is one of only a few dozen BT-13s that still exist, and one of the very few that is airworthy. This requires contant upkeep, which is accomplished through the meticulous work done by a cadre of experienced mechanics who put in many hours of their own personal time so that the aircraft can continue her mission of serving as a Living Witness Exhibit.
“Living Winess Exhibit”
As she has done for so many years, 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. Few things come close to accomplishing that than to physically see and touch one of those trainers such as our BT-13A. To support this endValiant Effort Foundation regularly flies their BT-13 to local aviation venues to serve as a static display so that the public can see her up and close.
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, click on the following links.
January 2025February 2025March 2025April 2025March 2026
June/July 2026
Valiant 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.
