On July 11, 2022, VAN’s Stephen Chapis was afforded a unique opportunity during a visit to Sanders Aeronautics in Ione, California. ย For over ten years, Stephen had followed the restoration of the Dwelle family’s T. Mk. 20 WE 820 (formerly known as Blind Man’s Bluff/Critical Mass) and as the first post-restoration flight approached, Stephen and Ken Dwelle discussed the customary photo flight. ย During those discussions, Stephen broached the subject of flying a Sea Fury four-ship with WE 820 and the Sanders’ Sea Furies 924, Argonaut, and Dreadnought. ย Ken spoke to Dennis Sanders who enthusiastically agreed to the flight.
In the week leading up to the flight, the photo ship and pilot lineup was finalized. ย The photo ship was Sanders’ TBM-3U BuNo 39629 with Bernie Vasquez at the controls. ย Down below with Stephen was Sanders’ Jim Rollison. ย Leading the Sea Fury formation was Ken in WE 820, with the late Sherman Smoot in Argonaut, Dennis in 924, and Joel Swager in Dreadnought. ย Thanks to a thorough pre-flight brief and precision flying by the pilots, the flight went exactly as planned. ย The following video is a brief behind-the-scenes look at the preparation and on-board videos.
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.
Very good to see and rare to see 4 Sea Furies flying in formation.
I have a friend Henry Young who flew SeaFuries from Aircraft Carriers after WW2 He is now 100 years old and still very active driving his car and playing tennis 4 times a week
He flew other fighters during WW2 but has always said the Sea Fury was his favourite to fly.