The second airworthy Royal Aircraft Factory F.E.2b and R.E.8 reproductions to emerge from The Vintage Aviator, Ltd’s factory in Wellington, New Zealand recently made their public debut at TVAL’s Remembrance Day Air Show in New Zealand.
The F.E.2 has been finished in the overall black color scheme of a night bomber from the 100th Squadron, which was the first RFC unit dedicated to light night bomber duties. From May 1917 to February 1918, the 100th Squadron flew nocturnal raids on railway targets and German airfields.
Following the arrival of TVAL’s first airworthy R.E.8 reproduction in the United Kingdom for the RAF Museum’s collection, the second TVAL R.E.8, has been painted in the white zig-zag fuselage markings of the 52nd Squadron and wears the designation of A4267, representing a machine which was built by Austin Motor Company and was assigned to the British Expeditionary Force in April 1917, before being allocated to the 5th Squadron in Northern France. It was transferred to 52nd Squadron at La Houssoye in early January 1918, where it was destroyed by a fire on March 6, 1918.
Also making its debut at the show was the fourth airworthy Albatros D.Va to be constructed by TVAL.
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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