Major Project Has Deep Connections With Local Community

The Commemorative Air Force’s (CAF) Razorback Wing in Little Rock, Arkansas, is diving into a major restoration of a Vultee BT-13 Valiant, a World War II-era basic trainer aircraft back to its original condition.

During WWII, the Walnut Ridge Army Airfield was located in Northwest Arkansas. This was where BT-13s were used to train more than 5,000 student pilots between 1942 and 1944.

One of the Wing’s goals with the restoration is to deck the aircraft out in the livery of the Walnut Ridge Flying School as a tribute to Arkansas’ rich aviation history during that period.

This past summer, CAF Headquarters notified the Razorback Wing that recently donated BT-13 was sitting in the Fred and Barbara Clark Restoration Hangar in Dallas awaiting assignment.

Several members of the Wing went to Dallas to inspect the 1941 aircraft. Which, as it turns out, was in remarkable condition despite being disassembled and stored in crates.

The Unit leadership discussed the project, and they were confident they had the interest, expertise, and resources to resurrect the aircraft.

Matt Anderson, Razorback Wing member and project manager said, “In terms of condition and quality, this is the best project we could hope for.”

So in September, Wing members drove trucks and trailers to Dallas, loaded up the aircraft and brought it to its new home in North Little Rock. The team estimates the restoration will take about two years to complete. One member remarked that, “It will be a labor of love.”

FMI:  www.razorbackcaf.com/