A6M Zero Rises Over Japan With a Japanese Pilot in The Cockpit

By TOSHIYUKI TAKEYA – From an article originally published on www.asahi.com

More than 70 years after the end of World War II, a wartime Zero fighter plane once again soared in the skies over Japan with a Japanese pilot at the controls on June 3. The flight, conducted by Kazuaki Yanagida, 66, was a special demonstration at the two-day Red Bull Air Race 2017, which is continuing in Chiba’s Mihama Ward through June 4.  After the end of World War II, Zero planes flew a few times over Japanese airspace. However, all those flights were undertaken with American pilots at the controls.

The aircraft is based upon the remains of a wreck recovered from Babo Island in Indonesia by Bruce Fenstermmaker back in 1991, along with the hulks of a number of other Japanese warplanes. Its restoration took place over many years, beginning in Russia, where the major structural refabrication took place, and ending up in Mojave, California for final fitting and the installation of its powerplant. Little, if any original structure, other than the landing gear, made it into the restoration. Like all but one airworthy Zero, this example has a Pratt&Whitney R-1830 engine instead of the original Sakae.

The Zero aircraft is a Model 22 manufactured by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Ltd. in 1942. Its owner, Masahide Ishizuka, 56, a Japanese entrepreneur, is keeping it in the United States. From about 10 years ago, Ishizuka was engaged in the Zero Homecoming Project, which seeks to fly the aircraft over Japanese airspace. “By preserving it in a flyable condition and flying it in various parts of Japan, I want to make those flights good opportunities to think about peace,” Ishizuka said.

The Zero flies over Tokyo Bay off Chiba on June 3

Moreno Aguiari

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.

• P-38 Lightning Demo/Hangar Talk at Planes of Fame Air Museum on November 2nd
• Norwegian CF-104D Starfighter Undergoes Engine Testing
• B-17E “Desert Rat” Restoration Update – Winter 2024
• Old Rhinebeck Aerodrome to Host Night Photo Event on November 2