I endorse the nomination of Ermanno Bazzocchi, Aermacchi's chief designer from the end of World War II and later Managing Director till the end of the 80s, as one of the 100 outstanding aviation personalities. He has been a TRUE aeroplane designer, following his projects from the conceptual phase throughout the in-service evolution to ensure that his aircraft would fully meet pilot's expectations. I have known him for nearly fifty years and I have been "his" test pilot on the MB-339 and on the latest developments of the MB-326: I can testify to his serious, professional and enthusiastic approach in developing his aircraft. A pilot himself, he knew that his projects had to win the hearts and minds of the pilots destined to fly them. His major concern has never been the quantity of aircraft that could be sold, but their quality. His technical competence and his moral integrity were two qualities that made his reputation among the many that have met him worldwide throughout the years. He certainly deserves to be among the 100 outstanding aviation personalities. Franco Bonazzi

Ing. Ermanno Bazzocchi (right)

..... and let me pay tribute to three men strictly related to Ing. Bazzocchi and his masterpiece ..... the MB 326 :

Guido Carestiato, Aeronautica Macchi long-time Chief Test Pilot

Riccardo Peracchi, Italian Air Force outstanding display pilot

Massimo Ralli, who, in 1966/67, set many FAI world records (some still standing)