Italian Bird Dog Back in the Air

Italian Bird Dog Back in the Air

A former Italian Army Cessna O-1E Bird Dog took off on her first post-restoration flight into the crisp winter skies over Montagnana airfield near Padova, in northeastern Italy, earlier this month after a thorough rebuild by owner Andrea Rossetto.

Save for a minor radio problem, the initial sortie was a complete success. Vintage military aircraft are rare on the Italian civil registry, but this effort is proof that with enough dedication, passion and perseverance, warbirds can indeed fly, even in a country where obsessive bureaucracy, absurd airport taxes, and high operating costs abound.

For the complete story by Luigino Caliaro via Warbirds News, click here.

Photo by Luca Marin

Updated: February 22, 2016 — 11:26 AM
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