On Thursday, June 6th, MJ444 took to the skies for her first post-restoration flight at Duxford, coinciding with the 80th anniversary of D-Day. The flight went smoothly, and testing is ongoing as of now. All signs indicate that MJ444 is an outstanding aircraft, with the Merlin 500 engine providing exceptional performance—earning it the nickname ‘rocket ship’!
It’s done—MJ444 is back in the sky where she belongs. It’s fitting that whenever we see her flying, we take a moment to remember the brave young Canadians who once piloted her. They fought—and in two cases, died—for freedom, far from their homeland, and they should never be forgotten.
After the disappointment of canceling the ‘First Flight’ event at Duxford on April 25th, AeroLegends invites the public to a special event at Headcorn Airfield on Saturday, July 13th, 2024, at 18:00 hours. People will gather in the Aero Legends Dispersal Hut before witnessing MJ444 being put through her paces by their pilots. It promises to be a fantastic event, so please confirm your attendance by emailing Peter Hall ([email protected]) by Saturday, July 6th, 2024. For more information, visit www.aerolegends.co.uk
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![Some of the students responsible for the memorial. Back row (from left) Victor Pysson, Lennert Verhelst, Wout Vandeghinste and Bjorn Willems. In front are Alanis Seys and Laurien Snaet. Absent is Noah Cneut. [Photo via Lieven Vandecaveye]](https://vintageaviationnews.com/wp-content/uploads/Belgian-Spitfire-monument-2-via-Lieven-Vandecaveye-326x245.jpg "Belgian Students Create Memorial to WWII RNZAF Pilots 3")
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.
Too Bad It is now a 2-seat taxi, no longer a single seat fighter as it was intended….