At Piacenza air base, Italy, on 14 June, Fiat G91R/1A serial MM6305/I-AMIC completed its maiden post-restoration flight. Very rapidly painted in Frecce Tricolori aerobatic team colours, the Bristol Siddeley Orpheus-powered light strike and reconnaissance aircraft was a star attraction at the Italian Air Force's centenary airshow at Pratica di Mare (see Events). Owned by Renzo Catellani, the G91 was in the hands of former Aeronautica Militare test pilot Gen Maurizio Lodovisi. It has become the sole airworthy 'Gina' in the world, and the first example to fly anywhere since the Italian Air Force phased the type out during 1995. MM6305 was acquired by Renzo Catellani during 2009. Its restoration was conducted by his Volafenice organisation, home-based at Reggio Emilia airfield, with considerable help from the Italian air arm. Initial engine runs took place last year. Volafenice is the sole civilian classic jet operator in Italy, and has already returned examples of the two-seat Aermacchi MB326E and single-seat MB326K to flying condition -the former acted as the chase aircraft when the G91 carried out its maiden flight.
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