Last Thursday, XH558 was towed out of the hangar to have a full fuel load placed in the new No.5 Starboard fuel tank and 40% fuel in the remaining tanks. After this, she was returned to the hangar and is now back on hydraulic jacks. XH558 is about to commence undercarriage retraction tests after which, if all goes well, we will then continue the other ‘after-service’ checks. The aircraft will then be taken outside again; completion of the required paperwork will be the team’s priority over the Bank Holiday weekend.
This week the maintenance team will begin ground engine-running tests and final checks such as flying control range-of-movement and hopefully from there, they will look to schedule the first flight date.
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.
will fast taxi rides be open to the public at a cost obviously??