FlightSafety International Supporting Historic Warbirds Return to Normandy

Oxford, Conn. – January 7, 2019 – FlightSafety International, a world leading aviation training provider and manufacturer of flight simulators, visual systems and displays, will support the mission of the D-Day Squadron by providing International Procedures eRecurrent training free of charge to the pilots embarking on the historic journey to put C-47s and DC-3s once again over the French coastline.

The D-Day Squadron, is part of the Tunison Foundation and  will return many combat veteran aircraft to Normandy, France to commemorate the 75^th anniversary of the D-Day invasion. Flying along the original “Blue Spruce” route, used to ferry aircraft during the Second World War, the Squadron will depart from Oxford, Connecticut (KOXC); stopping to refuel in Goose Bay Airport (CYYR) in Newfoundland, Canada, Narsarsuaq Airport (BGBW) in southern Greenland, Reykjavik Airport (BIRK) in Iceland and refueling a final time at Prestwick Airport (EPIK) on the Western coast of Scotland before making the final leg to Duxford Airfield (EGSU) north of London.

The FlightSafety International FAA and ICAO compliant eLearning Recurrent ground school course is tailored to advancing the expertise of flight crews with international operating experience. “Having a worldwide leader in flight training like FlightSafety International as a partner is an invaluable asset for the D-Day Squadron,” declared Moreno Aguiari, Executive Director of the D-Day Squadron. “Our experienced pilots are excited for the opportunity to enroll in the company’s eLearning programs, which are a benchmark for the aviation industry. Although all the pilots flying the C-47s come from the airline industry and are United States Air Force veterans, this training will constitute a great opportunity to prepare everyone for the long Atlantic crossing.”

“FlightSafety is pleased and proud to support this important effort, said Daniel MacLellan, Senior Vice President, Operations. “The pilots who will fly this historic mission will benefit from our industry-leading International Procedures eRecurrent training program.”

Once in London, the D-Day Squadron will join with its European counterpart, Daks over Normandy. These groups will create an aerial armada to cross the English Channel on June 5^th. Additional events will take place on June 2^nd-5^th at Duxford Airfield in the United Kingdom and from June 5^th-9^th at Caen-Carpiquet Airport in Normandy, France.

Be sure to keep up with the latest news as additional leaders in aviation join the D-Day Squadron mission to honor the legacy of the Greatest Generation while a few of its members are still able to attend this grand tribute to their service and legacy.

About the D-Day Squadron

The D-Day Squadron is the part of the Tunison Foundation, a non-profit 501(c)(3) charitable organization. In June 2019, the D-Day Squadron will lead an American fleet of historic, restored C-47 World War II military aircraft in Daks Over Normandy, a flyover of more than 30 international aircraft to drop 250 paratroopers over the original 1944 drop zones in Normandy commemorating the 75^th anniversary of D-Day. The event will honor the citizen soldiers of the War, whose bravery led the Allies to the liberation of France, and then to an end of the devastating War in Europe. The Squadron’s education program takes the compelling story of the citizen soldier to audiences at airshows and events off the flight line to honor these brave Americans and ensure their memory and significance is appreciated for generations to come. The group’s efforts are funded through the generous tax-deductible contribution of their supporters. Learn more at DDaySquadron.org.

About Flight Safety International

FlightSafety International is the world’s premier professional aviation training company and supplier of flight simulators, visual systems and displays to commercial, government and military organizations. Over 2,000 highly qualified instructors provide more than 1.4 million hours of training each year to pilots, technicians and other aviation professionals from 167 countries and independent territories. FlightSafety operates the world’s largest fleet of advanced full-flight simulators at Learning Centers and training locations in the United States, Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, France, Hong Kong, India, Japan, the Netherlands, Norway, South Africa and the United Kingdom. Learn more at www.flightsafety.com

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.

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