Master's degree in aeronautical engineering from the Aeronautical Academy in Italy; then joined the Italian Air Force and worked as an engineering test pilot at Pratica di Mare Airport; one of five candidates from Italy for the 1977 ESA selection, but was not selected; resigned from the Air Force as a Major in 1981; later became director of a company in Rome that manufactures and distributes electronic products; candidate from Italy for a Shuttle mission.