Famous for their association with Supermarine’s superlative, elliptical-winged WWII fighter design, FlyaSpitfire.com announced their parent company’s recent acquisition of a North American P-51D Mustang (44-73877) on November 12th. Based within the Biggin Hill Heritage Hangar, at the historic, Battle of Britain airfield in Biggin Hill, near London, England, the company operates a fleet of WWII-vintage aircraft, including numerous Supermarine Spitfires. Several of the latter are two-seat examples with which the company offers flight experience rides in a variety of exciting ways, and the Mustang will soon be joining the list of aerial opportunities which members of the public may participate in from Biggin Hill (and elsewhere).
This particular Mustang was delivered to the USAAF in July, 1945. Arriving too late to see combat during WWII, she later joined the Royal Canadian Air Force, serving as RCAF 9279 from 1951 through her retirement in April, 1958. Entering the U.S. civil registry soon after completing her military operations, the Mustang passed through a number of North American owners before moving to Europe in 1986, to become part of the Scandinavian Historic Flight. She has been a regular in European skies ever since, having operated on both the continent and, more recently, from Britain. The aircraft has worn many guises during her warbird career as well, but is presently marked to represent a 335th Fighter Squadron P-51D (44-13779) which the legendary American ace and combat leader Col. Don Blakeslee flew while commanding the 4th Fighter Group. Opportunities to fly in this magnificent aircraft will be available during the 2022 season, so be sure to check HERE for booking details!
For those interested in learning more about P-51D Mustang 44-73877, Warbird Digest Magazine published a marvelous profile on this stunning aircraft in Issue #91!
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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.
I like it very much. Joan