Erardo Fruet

Pergine Valsugana, 1902-Rimini, 1980

Caproni Test Pilots

In 1922 he enlists as a volunteer in the aeronautical engineering corps and obtains his military pilot’s licence. In 1924-1925 he is assigned to the 84th Fighter Squadrilla and then to the 1st Fighter Wing of Lonate Pozzolo as an instructor. In 1927 he is transferred to Campoformido. As one of the promoters of the first Italian aerobatic team, he tests new aircraft and achieves speed records with several prototypes. From 1938 onwards he works as test pilot for Fiat and Caproni airplanes at the Guidonia Testing Center. In 1947 he is assigned to the auxiliary service with the rank of major. He becomes the director and instructor of the flight school of the Aeroclub of Trento. One Silver Medal of military merit.