Gino Lucci has spent a lifetime around aircraft, but his story is anything but typical. A retired U.S. Air Force flight refueler and First Sergeant, Lucci transformed his passion for aviation into a thriving business, Round Engine Aero, which specializes in salvaging and preserving vintage aircraft. His latest creation, a fully functional motorhome built from the fuselage of a Navy R4D (the U.S. Navy’s version of the Douglas C-47), has captivated aviation enthusiasts across the country.
A Lifelong Love of Aviation
Despite having no family background in aviation, Lucci always knew he wanted to fly. His journey began with the Civil Air Patrol, where he earned his pilot’s license through a scholarship. He enlisted in the U.S. Air Force with the dream of becoming a B-52 tail gunner—an ambition that was cut short when the position was phased out during his training. Instead, he was placed in a specialized mechanics program, which led him to serve during the Gulf War. After a 25-year military career, Lucci channeled his experience into Round Engine Aero, a business dedicated to keeping classic aircraft flying.
The Mission of Round Engine Aero
Founded as a part-time endeavor while Lucci was still in the military, Round Engine Aero became a full-time operation in 2015. Specializing in pre-1950s aircraft, the company has played a role in preserving some rare and historically significant planes, including A-20s, A-26s, and DC-3s. “The primary goal is to keep old airplanes flying—safe, fun, and affordable,” says Lucci. “A lot of what we do involves finding the really hard-to-get parts that keep these aircraft in the air.”
Hunting for Aviation Treasures
Lucci and his son take a hands-on approach to aircraft salvage, traveling across the country to locate long-lost airplanes and parts. Their process is a mix of internet research, historical records, and good old-fashioned legwork—literally knocking on doors to track down leads. One of their most remarkable finds was a one-of-a-kind aircraft discovered in Missouri after a three-year search. Often, aircraft owners are less concerned about money and more about ensuring their planes go to someone who will appreciate them. “It’s like a family member to them,” Lucci explains. “They don’t want it to be parted out.”
The Birth of the Fabulous Flamingo
Among Lucci’s most famous projects is the Fabulous Flamingo, a motorhome crafted from a decommissioned 1943 Navy R4D. The aircraft was one of three abandoned DC-3 variants in Rolla, Missouri, originally intended for FedEx conversions before being damaged in a tornado. With the airframe beyond restoration for flight, Lucci saw an opportunity to turn it into a rolling tribute to aviation.
The transformation was no easy feat. Lucci and his team had to mount the aircraft fuselage onto a chassis from an old delivery truck, an International DuraStar 4400, making structural modifications while ensuring it remained compliant with Department of Transportation regulations. “We had to mount it about three or four times to make sure it sat right,” he recalls. “And when we first took it down the road, the plane wanted to weather vane into the wind, so we had to adjust the chassis until we found the sweet spot.”
The result was a fully operational motorhome that meets all safety standards, including seat belts, operating windshield wipers, and even a required microwave to qualify as an RV. The Flamingo theme—complete with flamingo-patterned bedding and curtains—was inspired by Lucci’s wife’s love for the bird and a nod to his own admiration for the F-4 Phantom, which was often called the “Fabulous Phantom.”
A Showstopper at Oshkosh and Beyond
Though the Fabulous Flamingo started as a personal project, its unique design quickly gained attention.”We thought it was just going to be a fun vehicle for my son and me, but then our neighbor started posting photos online, and people went crazy for it,” says Lucci.
The vehicle made its debut at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh, where it became an instant crowd favorite. It now serves as both a personal travel vehicle and a promotional tool for Round Engine Aero, drawing attention to the company’s mission of aviation preservation.
From his days as a young Civil Air Patrol cadet to tracking down and saving historic aircraft, Gino Lucci’s journey is a testament to passion and perseverance. Whether he’s restoring a vintage warbird or cruising down the highway in a one-of-a-kind DC-3 motorhome, one thing is clear—his love for aviation knows no bounds.
