AV-8B Harrier II Arrives At The Hickory Aviation Museum

On Monday, July 15th 2024 a McDonnell Douglas AV-8B+ Harrier II made its final landing after a ferry flight from the nearby Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) Cherry Point in North Carolina. The renowned “Jump Jet” will join the expanding collection of aircraft on display at the Hickory Aviation Museum. BuNo 164560 was delivered to the US Marine Corps (USMC) in May 1994, serving with several squadrons and concluding its career with the VMA-223 Bulldogs based at Cherry Point.

Two Harriers, including a single-seat and a TAV-8B Harrier II which served as a support aircraft, arrived at Hickory Regional Airport (HKY) around 3pm. BuNo 164560 performed pattern work including VTOL operations before making its final landing to join the museum’s collection. After landing, it was taxied to the transient ramp next to the HAM aircraft display. USMC personnel secured and demilitarized the aircraft. The museum welcomed the aircraft and its crew with a compelling ceremony attended by city authorities and supporters.

On October 26th, 2023 leaders from the City of Hickory, Hickory Aviation Museum, and Catawba Valley Community College gathered at HKY to officially break ground on the construction of a new facility, where aviation and education will come together. The City of Hickory is partnering with the Sabre Society of North Carolina/Hickory Aviation Museum and Catawba Valley Community College to construct a building to house the museum’s vintage military aircraft, preserve aviation history, and provide STEM education and workforce development opportunities.

Visit www.elevatehky.com for more information about this project and how to support the Hickory Aviation Museum by making a tax-deductible contribution.

Moreno Aguiari

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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