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Explore the latest news and features by our world-class aviation journalists. Stay up to date on the latest military aviation developments, commercial airline news, historic restoration projects, flight simulation releases and much more.

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Historic

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How do you keep a fleet of classic jets alive?

James Peene caught up with ‘Mr Shifter’ (aka Dave Thomas), to see what’s going on behind closed doors at Bruntingthorpe

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The incredible stories of survival and heroism from Hawker Hurricane pilots

Graham Pitchfork profiles TWO pilots who flew and fought in the Hurricane

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Unsung Heroes: Naval pilots in the Battle of Britain

How Royal Navy aircraft and pilots contributed to the successful defence of Britain during 1940

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How a Battle of France Hawker Hurricane was returned to flight 

In the February 2014 issue of FlyPast, Darren Harbar profiled a Battle of France veteran that has returned ‘home’

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The little-known story behind the Hawker Hurricane prototype

Ken Ellis examines the origins of Sydney Camm’s magnificent fighter and salutes the prototype

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Military

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How does the US Navy qualify its F-35C pilots for carrier ops?

Preparing pilots for deployment is a critical aspect of the US Navy’s mission. Soren Nielsen examines how VFA-97 ‘Warhawks’ gained their carrier qualifications after transitioning to the Lockheed Martin F-35C Lightning II strike fighter

First nine Croatian Mi-8 Hip helicopters head to Ukraine

With no official announcement or ceremony, nine ex-Croatian Air Force Mi-8 Hip tactical transport helicopters departed Zagreb Franjo Tudjman Airport at approximately 0600hrs (local time) on May 5, with various social media channels noting that the rotorcraft were heading to an unknown destination ahead of their final delivery to Ukraine

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The Dambusters Today

Based at RAF Marham in Norfolk, 617 Squadron will remain as the UK’s frontline F-35B Lightning unit until 809 Naval Air Squadron stands up later this year. Officer Commanding 617 Sqn, Wing Commander Stew Campbell has a unique perspective on the 80th anniversary year, having been involved in the 70th anniversary commemorations in 2013.

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Commercial

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Transatlantic take-off with Skytrain: Remembering Sir Freddie Laker

Freddie Laker always regarded America as the ultimate destination for the holiday charter market and applied for a licence to operate to the US – not only from the UK, but also from other European departure points

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Laker Airways is born: Remembering Sir Freddie Laker

After founding Air Charter and growing a lucrative vehicle ferry service, Sir Freddie developed ambitious plans for even further expansion of his aviation empire

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Diversifying business interests: Remembering Sir Freddie Laker

Leveraging his broad skillset to tap into enormous post-World War Two demand, Freddie Laker’s business interests diversified rapidly in the 1950s, albeit with mixed success

The Ultimate Sir Freddie Laker Quiz!

This weekend marks exactly 100 years since Sir Freddie Laker was born, and as part of our special Key Aero coverage, this week's commercial aviation quiz is a Laker special! From his formative years through to this final ventures, celebrate Sir Freddie's remarkable contribution to aviation in this ultimate test.

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The early years: Remembering Sir Freddie Laker

Born during the interwar years and coming of age in a boom time for British aviation, the early efforts of Frederick Alfred Laker helped define his career trajectory

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Flight Simulation

Microsoft Flight Simulator boss on future of free updates

The head of Microsoft Flight Simulator has outlined his position on the future of free updates following the release of the highly anticipated 40th Anniversary Edition.

New Icelandic destination for Microsoft Flight Simulator

Scenery developer, ST Simulations has released Akureyri Airport for Microsoft Flight Simulator.

Inverness for X-Plane out now

Boundless Simulations has announced Inverness Airport is now available for X-Plane 11 and 12.

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Upcoming Events

MCAS Cherry Point Air Show

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Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, United States

US Marine Corps airshow

Duxford Flying Day: 19 Squadron

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Cambridge, United Kingdom

The event webpage states: "Uncover the story of the legendary 19 Squadron, the fighter pilots who made Spitfire history at Dunkirk and throughout the Battle of Britain at Flying Days: 19 Squadron. Enjoy a special themed display, providing an afternoon of over an hour of scheduled flying, on top of your great day out at IWM Duxford."

Light Aircraft Association Rally

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Leicester, United Kingdom

Light aircraft event

Dover AFB - First State Airshow

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Dover AFB, United States

US Air Force airshow

Royal International Air Tattoo

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Fairford, United Kingdom

The themes this year for RIAT are '50 Years F-16', 'NATO 75th Anniversary', '100th Anniversary of the Royal Canadian Air Force' and 'Pushing the boundaries in Air and Space'. Regarding the final one in the list the RIAT website states: "Our main theme will highlight the important work of Flight Test & Evaluation in modern aviation, looking back at 100 years of British military test flying. We hope to display specialised, modified and instrumented test flight aircraft from organisations from around the world dedicated to Flight Test, Evaluation and Scientific Research."

Offutt AFB - Defenders of Freedom Air and Space Show

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Bellevue, United States

US Air Force airshow