Aviation History

Luton Airport and RAF Beechwood Park

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By © User:Colin / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0,

The drone of flying engines heard at night can be a melancholy sound.  After lights out in the dormitory at a Hertfordshire boarding school, I would reach up to pull the curtain aside and open the window.  There was no double glazing, just a window with metal casement stay and I would lower the stay … Read more

The Evolution of Commercial Aviation – From Propellers to Jets

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Most people take for granted the ease of air travel today, but understanding the journey from early propeller-driven aircraft to modern jets reveals a fascinating story of innovation and engineering. You might be surprised to learn how significant advancements in design, technology, and materials have transformed commercial aviation over the decades. This blog post will … Read more

The History of the Boeing 747 – The Queen of the Skies

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Aviation history is marked by milestones, and the Boeing 747 stands as one of its most iconic achievements. As you explore the remarkable journey of this majestic aircraft, you’ll discover how it transformed air travel and made long-haul flights accessible to millions. From its debut in the 1970s to its enduring legacy, understanding the story … Read more

The History and Development of the Airbus A380

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Over the years, the Airbus A380 has revolutionized air travel with its innovative design and sheer size. You’ll discover how this colossal aircraft evolved from an ambitious idea into a symbol of modern aviation, transforming the way you experience long-haul flights. In this post, you will explore into its inception, technological advancements, and the challenges … Read more

The Most Memorable Airplane Designs in History

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Airplanes have long captured your imagination with their innovative designs and engineering marvels. In this post, you will explore some of the most iconic aircraft that have shaped aviation history, showcasing their unique aesthetics and functionality. From sleek commercial jets to experimental military machines, these unforgettable designs not only revolutionized air travel but also continue … Read more

Wings Over the World: Aviation And British Imperial Air Routes

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The British imperial air routes of the 1930s connected Britain with its empire outposts and colonies. By so doing, they established the foundations for the air routes of today. Nearly 100 years ago, aircraft took days to reach the furtherst destinations, stopping at various rudimentary airfields, sometimes hastily created simply for that purpose. Image flying … Read more

Airplanes from the 1930s Golden Age – From Fighter to Airliner

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The 1930s was one of those decades where aviation grew up fast. At the start of it, most aircraft were still fabric-covered biplanes with open cockpits and fixed undercarriages. By the end, we had all-metal monoplanes with retractable gear, enclosed cockpits, and engines powerful enough to push fighters beyond 300 mph. The transformation was remarkable, … Read more

Best WWII Aviation Movies:  Your Ultimate Viewing Guide To Air Combat

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The best WWII aviation movies capture the daring feats of pilots and air crews during aviation’s most pivotal era. These classic war dramas depict the aerial battles, covert missions, dramatic raids, and pilot camaraderie that defined the drama and excitement of WWII air combat. Films like Twelve O’Clock High, Memphis Belle, and The Dam Busters … Read more

The Disappearance of Malaysia Airlines Flight MH370 in 2014: Facts & Theories

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The disappearance of Malaysia Airlines Flight MH370 on March 8, 2014 has baffled investigators and remained an open wound for aggrieved families for nine years.  Now, a new three-part documentary series on Netflix has generated renewed interest in this aviation mystery and attracted legions of new onlookers to what remains the unexplained loss of a … Read more

RAF Cranwell – History & Current Operations

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RAF Cranwell is a Royal Air Force station in Lincolnshire, England. The base was originally opened on 1 April 1916 as an RNAS training establishment (Royal Naval Air Service). RAF College Cranwell is now the RAF’s only officer training establishment in the UK, and also provides basic flying training for aircrews. RAF History at Cranwell … Read more

Vulcan XM655 Maintenance and Preservation Society at Wellesbourne Mountford Airfield

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XM655

In this post I introduce you to the Vulcan XM655 Maintenance and Preservation Society based at Wellesbourne Mountford Airfield, near Coventry, Warwickshire, in England. Like so many other people I was captivated by the sight and sound of a Vulcan at air shows during the past three decades. Seeing a Vulcan fly and hearing that … Read more

Goodwood Revival 2002 Warbird Displays – Spitfires, Mustangs

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This is the earliest footage I still have for the Goodwood Revival. Apologies for the poor quality but it gets better in parts. There are shots of the static displays of aircraft including Ferocious Frankie (P51 Mustang), Hawker Hurricanes, and the famous Spitfire MH434. Lots of take-offs and landings, and some aerobatics.

One year, about 15 years ago when it was still possible to walk the flight line of warbirds and chat to the pilots, I chatted to one of the display pilots and had the rare privilege of sitting in the cockpit of the Spitfire MH434.

It was quite something to be in the cockpit but not only that, to be in it on the grass at the former RAF Westhampnett airfield.

  • Spitfire MT928
  • Spitfire MT928

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Goodwood Revival 2018 – No Air Displays

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After 19 years of thrilling the crowds with spectacular air displays it seems the Goodwood Revival 2018’s aviation activities will be confined to the static displays and pre booked pleasure flights. The days of a Goodwood Revival air show are over, for this year at least. The 2018 Revival’s timetable contains no mention of any … Read more

Chilbolton Observatory – Hampshire’s Finest Abandoned Airfield

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Chilbolton Observatory is one of Hampshire’s finest abandoned airfields. During World War II it was once home to squadrons of Spitfires, Hurricanes, Mustangs, Typhoons, and Vampires. Opened in 1940 as a satellite airfield for RAF Middle Wallop it was used by the RAF and USAAF. After the war it was used for flight tests before … Read more