We appreciate the support from readers like you at Foxiz. Through your purchases using the links on our site, you empower us with affiliate commissions.
2025 USAF Heritage Flight Training and Certification Course
The 2025 USAF Heritage Flight Training and Certification Course at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base set the stage for the upcoming airshow season, bringing together historic warbirds and modern Air Force fighters in a stunning display of precision flying.
A U.S. Air Force F-22 Raptor aircraft flies in formation with three P-51 Mustang aircraft during the Heritage Flight Training Course at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Arizona, March 2, 2025. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman William Finn V)
SHARE
The 2025 USAF Heritage Flight Training and Certification Course took place at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base in Tucson, Arizona, from February 28 to March 2. This annual formation training clinic brings together select civilian warbird pilots and designated U.S. Air Force demonstration pilots flying modern fighters. Serving as a key prelude to North America’s air show season, the event featured 32 sorties, including full tactical demonstrations from Air Combat Command (ACC) teams, partial demonstrations, and various formations of the Air Force Heritage Flight.
A U.S. Air Force F-35 Lightning II flies during the Heritage Flight Training Course at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Arizona, Mar. 1, 2025. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman Samantha Melecio)
A P-51 Mustang aircraft, F-5 Northrop aircraft and F-35 Lightning II maneuver in tight formation at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Arizona, Mar. 1, 2025. The aircraft flew during the Heritage Flight Training Course, where aircrew practice ground and flight training to enable civilian pilots of historic military aircraft and U.S. Air Force pilots of current fighter aircraft to fly safely in formations together. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman Samantha Melecio)
Two P-51 Mustang aircraft fly in formation during the Heritage Flight Training Course at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Arizona, Mar. 1, 2025. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman Samantha Melecio)
A U.S. Air Force F-35 LightningII, F-16 Fighting Falcon aircraft and Northrop F-5 aircraft execute a formation flight during Heritage Flight Training Course at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Arizona, Mar. 1, 2025. The Air Force Heritage Flight Foundation celebrates U.S. air power history by providing 50 to 70 annual Heritage Flight demonstrations around the world. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman Samantha Melecio)
The conference provides an essential training opportunity for Air Combat Command’s single-ship demonstration teams, allowing them to refine their skills in dissimilar aircraft formations ahead of the air show season. Attendance is mandatory for all U.S. Air Force demonstration teams, ensuring professionalism and readiness for the months ahead.
A U.S. Air Force F-22 Raptor performs an aerial demonstration alongside the P-38J Lightning Skidoo at Davis-Mothan Air Force Base, Ariz., for the 2025 Heritage Flight Training and Certification Course. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Lauren Cobin)
This year’s lineup featured an impressive mix of warbirds and modern fighter jets. The vintage aircraft included five North American P-51 Mustangs, a Lockheed P-38J Serial No. 42-66504 Skidoo owned by Planes of Fame Air Museum, and Northrop F-5 Freedom Fighters. These historic aircraft were the P-51A “Miss Virginia,” Serial No. 43-6251, N42354, owned by Planes of Fame Air Museum, P-51K “Fragile but Agile,” Serial No. 44-12016, N98CF, Dan Friedkin/Comanche Fighters, F-6K “Frenesi,” Serial No. 44-12852, N357FG, Dan Friedkin/Comanche Fighters, TF-51D (Cavalier) Serial No. 67-14866, N20TF, Dan Friedkin/Comanche Fighters, P-51D “Val-Halla” Serial No. 45-11525, N151AF, Bill Anders Estate, P-51D “Happy Jack’s go Buggy,” Serial No. 44-74452, N74190, Dr. Bruce Winter and last but not least the A-36. Comanche Fighters/Dan Friedkin A-36 Serial No. 42-82731, N251A. The Air Combat Command contingent consisted of two Lockheed Martin F-22A Raptors, two Lockheed Martin F-35A Lightning IIs, and two Lockheed Martin F-16Cs.
The line up of Mustangs participating (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman Samantha Melecio)A U.S. Air Force F-22 Raptor performs an aerial demonstration alongside POF’s P-38J Lightning Skidoo at Davis-Mothan Air Force Base, Ariz. for the 2025 Heritage Flight Training and Certification Course, March 2, 2025. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Lauren Cobin)
Heritage Flights play a crucial role beyond the airshow circuit, making appearances at major events such as the Super Bowl LVI flyover in 2022. They serve as a powerful tribute to the nation’s rich aviation heritage and its legacy of defending freedom for over a century.
U.S. Air Force F-35A Lightning II, F-22 Raptor, F-16 Fighting Falcon and P-51 Mustang aircraft fly in formation during the Heritage Flight Training Course at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Arizona, March 2, 2025. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman Samantha Melecio)
A U.S. Air Force F-35A Lightning II aircraft performs alongside a P-51 Mustang aircraft during Heritage Flight Training Course at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Arizona, March 2, 2025. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman William Finn V)
A U.S. Air Force F-22 Raptor aircraft flies in formation with three P-51 Mustang aircraft during the Heritage Flight Training Course at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Arizona, March 2, 2025. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman William Finn V)
A U.S. Air Force F-22 Raptor aircraft flies in formation with an F-16 Fighting Falcon aircraft, an F-35A Lightning II aircraft and a P-51 Mustang aircraft during Heritage Flight Training Course at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Arizona, March 2, 2025. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman William Finn V)
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.
