By Nigel Hitchman
On August 17, 2024, aviation enthusiasts gathered at Old Warden in Bedfordshire, England, to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the UK Vintage Aircraft Club (VAC). Founded in 1964 by a group of passionate aviators, the VAC was established to preserve and operate the vintage aircraft that dotted the skies of the UK. At the time, many wooden aircraft were being retired due to concerns over glue failure, and an influx of modern American planes was beginning to dominate the scene. The club’s founders were determined to keep the spirit of these classic aircraft alive.
Sixty years later, the VAC remains as vibrant as ever. This year, the club organized a series of fly-ins to mark its milestone anniversary. Following a successful event in June at Breighton in Yorkshire, the celebrations moved south to Old Warden, the historic home of the Shuttleworth Collection. The event drew around 70 vintage aircraft, all basking in the glorious summer weather.
Despite competing with other fly-ins around the country and a significant vintage aircraft gathering in Belgium, the Old Warden event was a resounding success. Attendees were treated to a spectacular display of aviation history, with a diverse array of vintage aircraft on show. It was a day of nostalgia, camaraderie, and a shared love for the golden age of aviation—a fitting tribute to the VAC’s six decades of dedication to preserving the heritage of British aviation.
Following is a selection of photographs of the attendees.
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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