As we anticipated last week fans gathered on Wednesday 16th October to celebrate 50 years to the day since the first flight of Sea Vixen FAW2 XP924 “ Foxy lady “ .
The aircraft is owned and operated by DS ( Drilling systems) Aviation. Based out of Bournemouth International Airport in the UK,
XP924 is a cold war naval fighter and is the last flying example of the type in the world.
The event held at the DS Military hangar at Bournemouth was very well attended by dedicated fans and followers from across the country as well as many ex Vixen engineers and crew.
Fans were given unprecedented access to inspect and photograph the aircraft up close and personal.
Chief engineer Paul Kingsbury (PK) who keeps the aircraft in tip top condition was on hand to chat and answer any questions , Lieutenant Commander Matt Whitfield the Sea Vixens display pilot was also there signing autographs and chatting to fans all evening under the backdrop of a massive 5 meter by 3 meter screen showing videos of the Vixen in flight.
There was also a Sea Vixen flight simulator to give fans an idea of what it is like to fly the aircraft as well as live music from local artists and refreshments from the local WI ladies.The evening was a massive success with wall to wall smiling faces from her devoted fans.In the next month the aircraft will be performing few ground runs following the fitting of the gearbox.With the support of the 1710 Naval Air Squadron, based in HM Naval base Portsmouth the fluids are being analyzed. The team is waiting for the results.
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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