(image credit: VWoC)
The restoration of Hawker Hurricane XII 5547, registration number C-GGAJ under the care of Vintage Wings of Canada from Gatteneau, Quebec is reporting progress. The plane, acquired in 2006 has been making slow but steady gains and will soon have its wings reattached to its fuselage, having recently completing the installation of its cooling lines.
Produced in 1942, this Hurricane flew with the Royal Canadian Air Force for several years before being decommissioned in 1946. It is currently stripped to bare metal is planned to be painted in the colors and markings of P2961 ‘LE-A’, the Hurricane flown by Canadian “Flying Ace,” Flying Officer Willie McKnight of the RCAF’s 242nd Squadron, complete with the iconic cartoon of a boot kicking a cartoon version of Hitler. McKnight went on to join the RAF for the Battle of Britain and with 17 enemy kills to his credit, was one of Canada’s highest-scoring aces. His career and life were cut short however when he was shot down in January 1941 over Calais, France.
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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