On April 11, 2024, at San Damiano Air Base, home of the SVPSA (Sezione Valorizzazione Patrimonio Storico Aeronautico), General Francesco Vestito, Commander of the 1st Flight Region of the Italian Air Force, announced a plan for the creation of a “Flying Museum” which will be located in San Damiano, near Piacenza, in northern Italy. A special area will be created that is separated from the actual military airport which will serve as the host area for this museum of historic aircraft. The museum will be home to both static and airworthy aircraft, a section dedicated to flight simulators where adults and children will be able to climb on aircraft mockups, an interactive area where visitors have the opportunity to try on a pilot’s flight suit and offer the ability to experience the excitement of flight in the selection of airworthy aircraft. The project will further include an engine exhibition area, a conference room, a restaurant, a shopping area, and a playground for children.
The event took place concurrent with the arrival of the four AMX Ghibli that were recently retired from operational duty and transferred to San Damiano to become part of the NVPA (Nucleo Valorizzazione Patrimonio Aeronautico). Two single-seat and two dual-seat Ghibli will be kept in flying condition with all parts, paperwork, and documentation kept current and accessible. The decision to maintain the Ghibli to this level was made in accordance with the difficulties and bureaucratic hurdles that VolaFenice and AM encountered to resurrect the FIAT G.91 more than 30 years after its retirement. The four AMX will not fly regularly but they will be ready to do so in instances where the AM decides it is a necessity to utilize these aircraft.
During the presentation of the program, General Vestito mentioned that this facility will also need to house maintenance and conservation activities for the aircraft. In fact, the intention is not to have an overabundance of aircraft parked in the museum, but rather key aircraft, most with the ability to be started and flown at any time. This will be the case, along with the four Ghibli, for the two HH-212 helicopters, which have concluded their operational life after over 40 years of missions in Italy and abroad.
Speaking on the future of this project, General Vestito said, “Today, we lit a match, a spark. We are building a solid plan which we hope will be supported by local government entities and the private sector.” This ambitious endeavor not only celebrates the illustrious history of the Aeronautica Militare, but also underscores its enduring importance in the annals of Italian military history, as well as, aviation history in general.
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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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