Aviation Articles

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11 Sqn Lightning pilot – Binbrook memories

Ian Black described in the January 2016 issue of Aviation News his time flying the English Electric Lightning on 11 (Fighter) Squadron at RAF Binbrook

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‘Pure adrenalin’: what it was like to fly the English Electric Lightning

In the March 2014 issue of FlyPast Ian Black reflected on flying the ‘Ferrari of fighters’ – the English Electric Lightning 

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When an RAF Phantom shot down a 14 Sqn Jaguar

May 2022 marks the 40th anniversary of the RAF Phantom fleet’s one and only air-to-air ‘kill’. But, as Ian Black reveals, it was not a celebrated event

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Air-to-air cannon target practice in the English Electric Lightning

Ian Black explains why the Lightning was fitted with cannon and what it was like pressing the firing button

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Cold War fast jet pilot Ian Black on preparing for Bosnian night CAP

In the first of a two-part feature, respected Cold War fast jet pilot Ian Black reveals his thoughts and fears as he prepares for a nocturnal Combat Air Patrol through the war-torn skies of Bosnia

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”LIGHTNING FORMATION, FOUR AIRCRAFT, RUNNING IN…”

THUNDER CITY LIGHTNINGS It isn’t just the aeronautical industry...

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111 Sqn's First Year with the Lightning

The RAF waited a decade from the first flight of the English Electric P1 prototype in 1954 to take delivery of a truly definitive operational Lightning variant. The F3 was well worth it, though — and No 111 Squadron’s pilots loved it. This is the story of the mark’s first year with ‘Treble-One’

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BACK TO SCHOOL

IAN BLACK DESCRIBES HOW AIRCREW MADE THE TRANSITION TO THE PHANTOM-A...

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Warton - The Lightning's Last Lair

When the air defence Tornado hit trouble, British Aerospace rather ironically called on a famed predecessor to help. BAe’s Warton factory airfield in Lancashire thus became the final home of flying English Electric Lightnings in the UK

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Days of Thunder

Former Lightning pilot Ian Black reflects on the career of the...