The Commemorative Air Force Gulf Coast Wing has released a detailed update on the ongoing restoration of its AC-47 “Spooky” gunship. According to the group, completion of the aircraft’s annual inspection is drawing near, with only a few remaining steps before the process is finalized. A major milestone in recent weeks was securing Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) approval for the wing’s Approved Aircraft Inspection Program (AAIP). The program, which requires both formal documentation and an in-person inspection by the FAA, was successfully completed, clearing an essential hurdle in the restoration effort.
While progress has been steady, the team confirmed that painting the aircraft—initially planned for this summer—has been delayed. Extended restoration work and a full schedule at the paint facility have pushed the process into the fall. In the meantime, the Wing is using the waiting period to complete other tasks, including the installation of the astrodome and the cockpit escape hatch, commonly known as the “hamburger door.” Additional maintenance work, originally slated for winter, has also been moved forward, with the team mindful not to begin any projects that might delay the aircraft’s eventual transfer to the paint shop.
One recent achievement was the installation of new propellers, a labor-intensive task that required significant manpower. The process was documented in this time-lapse video, capturing hours of detailed work condensed into just two minutes.
Beyond the technical progress, the Gulf Coast Wing continues to strengthen ties with the Spooky Brotherhood, a veterans’ association of aircrew and maintainers who served with AC-47s in Vietnam. Eight members of the Wing plan to attend the Spooky Brotherhood’s upcoming reunion in Dayton, Ohio, this September. While the aircraft itself will not be present, the gathering will include four days of fellowship and a visit to the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base. To support this restoration and to learn more about the Commemorative Air Force (CAF) Gulf Coast Wing, visit www.gulfcoastwing.org.
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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.
