The cover star of the April 2021 edition of FlyPast is a warbird that’s likely to be familiar to UK airshow enthusiasts – the Hangar 11 Collection’s Supermarine Spitfire Mk.XI PL965. The aircraft flies in authentic photo-reconnaissance colours, and as R J Mitchell’s creation clocks up its 85th anniversary, we describe the use of such high speed ‘spies’ during World War Two. We also report on a new restoration and drop in at Sywell to see work being undertaken on the famous ‘Grace Spitfire’.

FlyPast Classics – Mustang
In the latest of our collectable series, Malcolm V Lowe delves deep into the history of the earlier, Allison-engined North American Mustang. The fighter’s finest hour undoubtedly came later, when fitted with the Packard Merlin, but it was the Allison version that was first flown operationally by the RAF in the fighter-bomber and tactical reconnaissance roles.

Phantom menace
Former editor Ken Ellis reflects on the final days of the McDonnell Douglas Phantom in RAF and Royal Navy service.

First approach
American aviator Eugene Ely was the first man to successfully land and take off from a ship. Kathleen Hanser profiles an overlooked pioneer.

Korean attraction
Andre Lavigne reports from the newly opened National Aviation Museum of Korea.

Stu Goldspink
Jamie Ewan speaks to the legendary airshow and warbird pilot about his former Mexican Air Force CAP 10B.