PRESS RELEASE – The United States Air Force has confirmed it will be part of the flying display at Warbirds Over Wanaka International Airshow for the first time in the 28 year history of the event.The Pacific Air Forces C-17 Globemaster III Demonstration Team is hosted by the 15th Wing of the USAF at Joint Base Pearl Harbour-Hickam in Hawaii. It will be attending the airshow over Easter next year (March 25th, 26th, 27th). The visit to Wanaka has been confirmed by Brigadier General Gregory M. Guillot who says the US Air Force is excited about coming to Wanaka and to be showing off the capabilities of the aircraft.Warbirds Over Wanaka General Manager, Ed Taylor, commented “This is great news for the airshow. The C-17 is a big aircraft and it’s going to be fantastic to see it put through its paces in the skies above Wanaka Airport.”
Ed Taylor continued “The C-17 demo team is made up of a four-person team. Being a member of the demo team requires a high level of experience in the C-17. Veteran pilots who have been instructors, evaluators or aircraft commanders are selected.”“ Although the flying profile is not much different from an operational mission, it is very fast-paced and the pilots need to have additional training to ensure safety and precision flying,”. The last involvement by the United States Air Force at Warbirds Over Wanaka was in 2010 when an LC-130, the polar version of the C-130 cargo plane, attached to the US Antarctica program, was on static display. The C-17 Globemaster has been suggested as one of the possible replacements for the RNZAF’s aging Hercules C-130 fleet.
For more info visit Warbirds Over Wanaka
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Born in Milan, Italy, Moreno moved to the U.S. in 1999 to pursue a career as a commercial pilot. His aviation passion began early, inspired by his uncle, an F-104 Starfighter Crew Chief, and his father, a military traffic controller. Childhood adventures included camping outside military bases and watching planes at Aeroporto Linate. In 1999, he relocated to Atlanta, Georgia, to obtain his commercial pilot license, a move that became permanent. With 24 years in the U.S., he now flies full-time for a Part 91 business aviation company in Atlanta. He is actively involved with the Commemorative Air Force, the D-Day Squadron, and other aviation organizations. He enjoys life with his supportive wife and three wonderful children.
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