Flight Journal Magazine - July - August 2024

In this issue

FEATURES: Keeping ’Em Flying - The new generation of warbird pilots, restorers and mechanics 28, Bader’s Hurricanes - Double amputee fighter ace Douglas Bader and his Battle of Britain Hurricanes, Satan’s Angels Ace - Tales from a P-38 pilot in the South Pacific, KC-46A Pegasus - Next generation aerial refueler, Starfires Over Korea - F-94 pilots tangle with MiGs

Keeping 'em Flying!- The new generation of warbird pilots, restorers and mechanics

The new generation of warbird pilots, restorers and mechanics. Nearly 80 years after the end of World War II, the fighters, bombers, and trainers that defended freedom continue to enthrall and inspire audiences at airshows, thanks to generations of warbird pilots, maintainers, restoration specialists and collectors. In our September, 2022 issue we introduced you to the young warbird pilots, maintainers and restorers who are already beginning to displace more "experienced" warbird fliers and fixers.

10+ mins

BADER'S HURRICANES

Double amputee fighter ace Douglas Bader and his Battle of Britain Hurricanes

10+ mins

WACO YKC - Stunning and Ultra Rare Golden Age Cabin Flier

BETWEEN THE IMPLEMENTATION of the Air Commerce Act of 1926 and December 31, 1948, all U.S. registered flying machines sported an N-number, much as they do today, the \"N\" being an internationally recognized identifier for the United States. During that period, however, an additional letter-identifier followed the \"N.\" Depending on their category, they were registered in the NC (Commercial), NG (Glider), NL (Limited), NR (Restricted, usually meaning race airplanes), NS (State government), and, finally, NX (experimental).

2 mins

"SATAN'S ANGELS" ACE - Tales from a P-38 pilot in the South Pacific

\"AS A KID GROWING UP on the bow of my father's tugboat, hauling oil from Seattle to Alaska, I had a lot of time on my hands.

10+ mins

The Corsair Maker- Bringing the Vought Corsair to the fleet was a daunting challenge that spanned nearly three years.

When the first production Corsairs exited the Stratford factory in June 1942, Guyton, as seen here, was tapped to manage the flight and production test program. Armament was improved to six wing-mounted .50s, displacing the wing fuel tanks now placed forward of the cockpit which necessarily was moved rearward by 32 inches. Overall length was increased, armor plate added, landing, arresting and tail gear improved, aileron control enhanced, and a new version of the R2800 engine was incorporated. But those significant improvements unearthed numerous idiosyncrasies that would take an extended period to make the Corsair acceptable for carrier operations

3 mins

KC-46A PEGASUS

Next generation aerial refueler

10+ mins

Training Mission

BY THE TIME THIS TRAINING SCENE WAS RECORDED in Canne, Italy, in July 1944, Allied Yugoslavian airmen had several years of experience working side by side with the RAF.

2 mins

STARFIRES Over Korea

F-94 pilots tangle with MiGs

10 mins

Read all stories from Flight Journal

Flight Journal Magazine Description:

Flight Journal is like no other aviation magazine in the world, covering the world of flight from its simple beginnings to its high-tech, no-holds- barred future. We put readers in the cockpit and let them live the thrill and adventure of the aviation experience, narrated by those who know the technology and made the history. The spectacular photography – from air-to-air shots to rarely seen archival photos–enhances each and every story. Each issue brings the stories of flight–past, present and future – to life.