FlyPast Magazine June 2026 Back Issue

WANT TO FLY ONE?
Have you ever wanted to fly in a two-seat Spitfire, Mustang or other warbird? Our in-depth feature profiles some of the companies offering once-in-a-lifetime flight experiences. With two-seat Spitfire ‘K5054’ making national headlines as it undertakes a round-the-UK trip, there’s never been a better time to get in the cockpit yourself. Taxi rides and flight sims are not forgotten in our special Aviation Experiences section.

THE ENGINE WHISPERER
In Germany, one man is almost synonymous with the return to the skies of the venerable Fieseler Storch. Uwe Glaser meets Dirk Bende

SWORDFISH ATTACK
Edward Abel Smith explains how Operation Catapult led to the first air battle between longtime allies Britain and France

ROMANIAN RUMBLER
The notably elegant IAR 80 fighter was one of those “right aircraft at the wrong time”. Jozef Mols relates the unusual machine’s story

KIWI SUNDERLANDS
The mighty Short Sunderland flying boat made a huge impression on Tony Fairbairn, who details their diverse use in New Zealand

CHOPPER HEROES
A restoration group is working wonders to keep the memory of the famous ‘Huey’ helicopters alive, as Lucy Rabone reveals

PLUS…
We also take in the new short film ‘A Memory Owed’ which recalls the sacrifices of RAF Bomber Command. Tom Allett attended the premiere. We also preview May’s enticing Midlands Air Festival, review the latest aviation-themed books, report on a visit to the 306th Bombardment Group Museum in Thurleigh, and delve into the history of the Norwegian Air Museum.