FlyPast February 2021

The February 2021 edition of FlyPast features a well-known UK-based warbird on its cover. The Fighter Collection’s Grumman Bearcat has been a mainstay of the annual Flying Legends Air Show at Duxford for many years – and now that the world famous event is moving to Sywell, we present a look back at previous iterations of the display. A staple of the warbird calendar since 1994, this aviation showpiece is due to receive a new lease of life at its new home in Northamptonshire.

Boston restoration
An exclusive report on a Douglas Boston cockpit that is close to completion in the UK.

Corsair adventure
Former RAF pilot Al Munro reveals how an exercise in Europe led to him flying A-7 jets in the US – his duties even included escorting a Russian defector.

Duxford by night
Assistant editor Jamie Ewan reports from the Imperial War Museum’s Battle of Britain-themed photography night shoot.

Day of the Demon
Our popular Classics section points the spotlight at the McDonnell F3H Demon, a sometimes overlooked classic jet that pre-dated the more famous Phantom.

The Curtiss legacy
Pioneering aviator and aircraft manufacturer Glenn Curtiss' contributions to aviation were enormously significant – as Kathleen Hanser reveals.

Also in this issue, Christian Koenig explores details surrounding the recent recovery of Short Stirling Mk.III BK716 from the depths of Lake Markermeer in the Netherlands, while former editor Ken Ellis pays tribute to the crews of ‘special duties’ Halifax units. Elsewhere, Malcolm V Lowe tells the story of Britain’s Amy Johnson, one of the most renowned aviatrixes of all time, and we bring you the latest warbird, restoration and heritage news.