Vol 14 No 4   2007      [Issue 62]

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Superlative Spitfire

There is no question that for many aviation enthusiasts around the world, there is no flying machine more appealing, more glamorous, more admired, than R J Mitchell's beautiful Spitfire. The elegant lines, elliptical wings and legendary flying characteristics, the whole story of how this machine inspired a nation as it helped to turn the tide of the unstoppable Nazi juggernaught during the Battle of Britain. For the past 20 years, an aviation gem has been undergoing a long and complex rebuild. Now restored to fully operational status, Spitfire Mk Vb, Bl628 is poised once again to thrill onlookers, and as a prelude we take a look at the mountain of work that has seen this accomplished, accompanied by some stunning air to air photos. Top

 

Percival Passion

In 1953 four young men flew two former RAF Percival Proctors from England to Australia. John Simler, born in London, but now resident in Sydney recounts the flight in this dramatic and often humourous look back at the journey, where he and his fellow aviators battled dodgy fuel, storms and culture shock, but at the same time lived an experience that won't be forgotten! The story has a happy ending, with John being reunited with an old friend over half a century later. Top

Beeches Downunder

In a region of the world where the type is relatively rare, Australasia has seen an unusual amount of activity associated with the ever-desirable Beech 17 ‘Staggerwing' in recent times. As will be seen in this article, it has never been possible to separate the Beech populations of Australia and New Zealand as the two countries continue to ‘cross-pollinate' their Staggerwing stables. Top

Curtiss Robin

In a departure from the Curtiss Company's target market, the U.S. Military, the Robin was produced with the civilian market in mind as a straightforward, ‘no nonsense' modestly priced aircraft. The Curtiss Robin was on a par with the open cockpit biplanes of the era, but offered the extra comfort of an enclosed cockpit and the straight forwardness of the shape of things to come - the monoplane. In this article we take look at the history of the type and some of the more famous survivors. Top

Airshows

Oshkosh Reno Bundaberg Watts-bridge Top

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