FlyPast December 2019

The December issue of FlyPast features a fresh new look and leads with an exclusive interview with the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight’s (BBMF) current boss Sqn Ldr Mark Discombe. Having been awarded the Air Force Cross for safely landing a malfunctioning Hurricane, Mark reflects on this and the entire ethos of leading such a noble and respected establishment. We also review the flight’s current Coningsby-based fleet and look at what the BBMF has in store for 2020 and its important series of anniversaries.

FLYPAST CLASSICS - SEAFIRE
In the first of a new series we describe the genesis and service history of the Merlin-powered versions of the Supermarine Seafire. Malcolm V Lowe documents this distinctive fighter and Andy Hay provides exclusive artwork profiles.

HELICOPTERS FLY AGAIN
Darren Harbar meets Andrew Whitehouse, who is driving an amazing rotary revival courtesy of his Historic Helicopters collection.

GREAT AIR RACE
Robin Evans reflects on the courage of those who participated in a London to Australia air race just over a century ago.

RESTORATION SCENE - HURRICANE
Andrew Critchell celebrates the 20-year restoration of Brooklands Museum’s Hawker Hurricane Mk.IIa Z2389.

FARNBOROUGH COLLECTION
A wealth of irreplaceable artefacts is preserved at Farnborough’s Air Sciences Trust Museum. Steve Beebee investigates.

We also profile a new heritage centre on the site of RAF Sculthorpe that’s now commemorating the Norfolk base’s Cold War history and we visit recent shows at Duxford and Hahnweide in Germany. In the first of a two-part feature, Chris Goss examines the career of Luftwaffe ace Helmut Lent, who scored most of his victories after dark, and Jamie Ewan goes air-to-air with a UK-based Bücker Bestmann. We also bring you news of a Heinkel He 111 that’s on its way to Kent.