FlyPast Magazine May 2019 Back Issue

The May issue of FlyPast features an exclusive interview with the Luftwaffe’s ‘ace of aces’, Erich Hartmann. The material – never before published – was captured by warbird pilot Howard Cook in the early 1990s. In this concluding part, the World War Two ‘experten’ reflects on the tactics that led to him becoming the top-scoring fighter pilot of all time. Our cover features artwork by Robert Taylor showcasing Hartmann’s Messerschmitt Bf 109.

Beast from the East
Featuring exclusive content and artwork, our Spotlight section explores the extensive use of the pugnacious Polikarpov I-16 in Soviet hands. We also examine its use in the Spanish Civil War.

Sea Vixen finale
After retirement from the Royal Navy, new uses were found for the characterful Sea Vixen. Ken Ellis describes its last days in service.

Flying Fortress tribute
It’s a story that captured the public’s heart. Paul Rowland reflects on the loss of B-17G ‘Mi Amigo’ and its crew, who were recently commemorated with a flypast over Sheffield.

Women in aviation
In the first of a new series we examine the record-breaking achievements of French aviator Jacqueline Auriol.

Victoria Cross
Graham Pitchfork praises the remarkable courage of Norman Jackson, a Lancaster crew member who climbed onto a wing during flight to tackle a blaze.

We also visit a workshop that is witnessing the restoration of two potentially airworthy Piston Provosts, while in New Zealand a gaggle of World War One reproductions got airborne for the cameras. US historian Warren E Thompson chronicles the career of the Lockheed F-94 Starfire in the Korean War and Marcelo Ribeiro visits the National Aeronautical and Space Museum of Chile. We also celebrate the return of a BBMF Spitfire to British skies.