The Commemorative Air Force (CAF) Razorback Wing is taking on a major restoration project that is deeply connected to its local community. The Unit is restoring a Vultee BT-13 Valiant, a World War II-era basic trainer aircraft, back to its original glory. The Razorback Wing was disbanded in the 1980s but re-established in 2017 by a group of dedicated warbird enthusiasts at the North Little Rock Municipal Airport. Shortly after re-establishing the Unit, they were assigned the PT-22 N53004, known as Miss Cherie. The aircraft needed maintenance, so the Razorback Wing members set to work to return the PT-22 to airworthy status. Later, it was added to the CAF’s rides program. While PT-22 Miss Cherie has done well in the rides program, rides with a PT-22 are somewhat limited due to passenger weight restrictions, fuel load capacity, and FAA regulations. Wanting to do more, the Razorback Wing began searching for their next aircraft project. With guidance from CAF Headquarters, they were presented with a Vultee BT-13 Valiant, a recently donated aircraft sitting in the Fred and Barbara Clark Restoration Hangar in Dallas, awaiting assignment.
Over the summer, several members traveled to Dallas to inspect the 1941 BT-13 aircraft, which despite being disassembled and stored in crates, was in remarkable condition. After discussions among the Unit leadership, they were confident they had the interest, expertise, and resources to bring the aircraft back to life. “In terms of condition and quality, this is the best project we could hope for,” said Razorback Wing member and project manager Matt Anderson.
In September, Razorback Wing members drove trucks and trailers to Dallas, loaded up the BT-13, and brought it to its new home in North Little Rock. The team estimates the restoration will take about two years to complete, with one member remarking, “It will be a labor of love.” The BT-13 holds a special place in Arkansas’ aviation military history. During World War II, Northwest Arkansas was home to the Walnut Ridge Army Airfield and the Walnut Ridge Army Flying School, where BT-13s were used to train 5,310 student pilots from 1942 to 1944. One of the Razorback Wing’s goals is to restore the BT-13 in the Walnut Ridge Flying School livery as a tribute to Arkansas’ rich aviation history during World War II. “We’ll need everyone’s time, talent, or treasure to make this happen,” says Razorback Wing member Rob Lashbrook. They envision the BT-13 playing a significant role in the CAF’s mission to Educate, Honor, and Inspire future generations. They are thrilled to undertake this project for their unit and the entire community. You can learn more, follow, and support the Razorback Wing at https://www.razorbackcaf.com
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Emma Quedzuweit is a historial researcher and graduate school student originally from California, but travels extensively for work and study. She is the former Assitant Editor at AOPA Pilot magazine and currently freelance writes along with personal projects invovled in the search for missing in action aviators from World War I and II. She is a Private Pilot with Single Engine Land and Sea ratings and tailwheel endorsement and is part-owner of a 1946 Piper J-3 Cub. Her favorite aviation experience was earning a checkout in a Fairchild PT-19.
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