(Image Credit: Alberta Aviation Museum)
We’ve been closely following the progress of the Alberta Aviation Museum’s newest acquisition, an F-104 Starfighter from The Netherlands, from the announcement of shipment, to its arrival, to the latest news, the un-crating and crane operations that have the plane once again standing, free of encumbrances or external support at its new home in Canada.
(Image Credit: Alberta Aviation Museum)
Just two days ago, what the museum is terming “Stage One” of their Starfighter restoration project was completed. Rigging specialists were brought in to create a special harness to attach and lift the plane without damage from its shipping cradle and temporary stands were fabricated to support the plane while the crew of experienced volunteers manually lowered and locked the plane’s landing gear so the craft could once again stand on its own.
“Stage Two” which is anticipated to begin later this week will see the Starfighter leaving for paint stripping, with the wings, tail and tip tanks following shortly thereafter. Stay tuned!
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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