March 4 of 2024 marks 70 years since the first flight of the Lockheed F-104 Starfighter, an unmistakable symbol of NATO airpower in Europe during the Cold War.
By most accounts, it was an unforgiving and difficult aircraft to master, but a very rewarding aircraft to fly for those who could master it.
The last military operator of the Starfighter was Italy, who retired the type in 2004. A few Starfighters continue to fly in civilian hands today.
Here are some pictures I’ve taken of Starfighters in Museums in Canada, germany and Spain:
Pickled Wings 