On September 28, 2016, CF-104D Starfighter “637” / LN-STF, adorned in the colors of the Royal Norwegian Air Force, took to the skies once again in Bodø, Norway, 33 years after its inaugural flight.
The aircraft, which had been meticulously restored to airworthy condition over 13 years by the Norwegian Foreningen Starfighterens Venner (Friends of the Starfighter Association), was accompanied by a dual-seater F-16B of the Royal Norwegian Air Force. This 50-minute flight marked the first time a “Zipper” (one of the many nicknames for this legendary plane, also known as the “Missile with a man in it”) had flown in Europe in over 11 years. The previous flight of an F-104 on the continent was on July 27, 2005, when the Italian Air Force retired its last aircraft, a two-seater TF-104, after more than 40 years of service—a type of aircraft the author had the privilege of flying in November 2000.
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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