Quirino Bucci

Project Test Pilot for Trainers Aircraft Leonardo Aircraft Division

Quirino attended the Italian Air Force Academy, from which he graduated in 1988. In the same year, he joined the ENJJPT (Euro NATO Joint Jet Pilot Training) at Sheppard Air Force Base, Texas, USA, and graduated in 1989. He was then assigned to the F-104 Conversion Course at Grosseto, and after completing the course, he joined the 18th Fighter Bomber Squadron in Trapani, flying the F-104. After two years of operational flying, Quirino was selected by the Italian Air Force Flight Test Center. In 1994, he was assigned to the Experimental Test Pilot School at the Empire Test Pilot School in Boscombe Down (UK), from where he graduated as an Experimental Test Pilot in the same year. Returning to Italy, Quirino was assigned to the AMX Test Team of the Italian Air Force, where he worked until January 2001, participating in various working groups and test programs. Quirino left active service in 2001 to join Alitalia, and in 2005 he started as an Experimental Test Pilot at Aermacchi, where he was involved in all company fighter and transport programs, including the M-346, M-345, and MB339. In July 2008, he was appointed Chief Test Pilot for Training Aircraft. As of 2025, Quirino has accumulated approximately 9,000 flight hours, demonstrating extensive experience across a wide range of aircraft and complex flight test operations. Throughout his career, he has served as pilot in command on numerous fixed-wing aircraft, covering both fighter jets and advanced trainer platforms. His vast expertise includes high-performance flight testing, systems evaluation, and the development of cutting-edge aeronautical technologies. Currently, Quirino holds the position of Project Test Pilot for Trainers Aircraft.