Biggin Hill Heritage Hangar in England has a newly-restored Supermarine Spitfire that is about to take its first flight after being involved in a tragic crash in Blue Canyon, California in June of 1998 that took the life of its pilot and owner, Thomas Jackson of Manitoba, Canada.
Originally delivered to the 604th Squadron, RAF in April, 1947, RW382 was to spend the early 1950s with the Civilian Anti-Aircraft Co-Operation Unit at Exeter before being retired in July 1953, when it then became an instructional airframe followed by being placed on static display as a gate guard at RAF Leconfield. After use during production of the Battle of Britain film in 1968 as a ground-based prop, RW382 was refurbished and went to RAF Uxbridge, where it was again placed on static display, though this time mounted to a pylon.
As part of this most recent restoration project, Rw382 was converted from a low-back Mk XVIe to high-back configuration.
This plane will become the fifth fully operational Spitfire in the Biggin Hill Heritage Hangar, alongside Mk I X4650/G-CGUK, Mk IXs TA805/G-PMNF and MK912/G-BRRA, and another “low-back to high-back” Mk XVI conversion, TE184/G-MXVI. Besides the current fliers, there are three more Mk IXs that are also in the hangar, awaiting completion of of the work required to return them to the skies.
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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