Latest from Key.Aero
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
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
The incredible stories of survival and heroism from Hawker Hurricane pilots
Graham Pitchfork profiles TWO pilots who flew and fought in the Hurricane
Unsung Heroes: Naval pilots in the Battle of Britain
How Royal Navy aircraft and pilots contributed to the successful defence of Britain during 1940
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’
The little-known story behind the Hawker Hurricane prototype
Ken Ellis examines the origins of Sydney Camm’s magnificent fighter and salutes the prototype
Military
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
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.
Commercial
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
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
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.
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
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.