The iconic CF-104D Starfighter (c/n 5302, serial 104632), a former Starfighters Aerospace aircraft and a familiar sight on the airshow circuit for over two decades, is now up for sale. This legendary jet is listed by Platinum Fighter Sales after previously being advertised on Barnstormers for $4,250,000.
Originally delivered to the Canadian Armed Forces on May 1, 1962, this two-seat Starfighter served with the test squadron at Cold Lake. In 1973, it was transferred to the Norwegian Air Force, where it operated under serial “4632” until its retirement in 1982. After years in storage, Northern Light Aircraft Corporation purchased the aircraft in 1988 and transported it to the U.S., where it was restored and registered as “N104NL.” It flew various test and recreational flights before being grounded in 1993.
In 1994, Thunderbird Aviation acquired the aircraft, performed an extensive overhaul, and re-registered it as “N166TB.” It returned to the skies, supporting U.S. Air Force test contracts at Edwards AFB between August 1995 and January 1996. The aircraft was then sold in 1996 to Rick Svetkoff, who established a Starfighter demonstration team. Following further inspections and upgrades, it debuted on the airshow circuit in 1997 and was later repainted in the blue-white Starfighters color scheme by 1998.
The Starfighter remained active until 2017 before being placed in storage. In March 2019, it was donated to the Royal Air Museum in Bonifay, Florida, but it continues to be stored at Starfighters Inc. Due to uncertifiable ejection seats, it is currently in a non-flyable condition. For more information about this CF-104D, visit www.platinumfighters.com
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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.
