(Image Credit: Fighter World)
A retired Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) General Dynamics F-111C Aardvark made the overland trip from Base Amberley In Queensland to Fighter World in Williamtown, New South Wales over this past weekend. In preparation for its trip by trailer, the plane had its wings, horizontal and vertical tail surfaces removed for safe transit. The nearly 600 mile journey, via a longer inland route necessitated by transportation permitting requirements, arrived at its destination Sunday afternoon, having departed RAAF Base Amberley in the wee hours of Saturday morning.
Along the way, the plane’s progress was posted on a live online map and crowds of aeronautical enthusiasts greeted the plane as it passed through several of the towns along its route. The plane, A8-148, which served in the RAAF from December 1973 until December 2010. In anticipation of its new role as a museum exhibit, the jet has been freshly repainted by the RAAF in the original 1973 camouflage paint scheme that it wore when initially delivered rather than the “Air Defence Grey” livery it sported later in its service and will be reassembled onsite with the assistance of a RAAF F-111 Disposal Team and placed on public display.
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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