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
Viper Demo Team marks 50 years of the F-16 with retro scheme
The US Air Force F-16 Viper Demo Team has unveiled a 50th anniversary paint scheme for the 2024 airshow season.The F-16C Block 50D Fighting Falcon s/n 91-0395/SW from the 55th Fighter Squadron of the 20th Fighter Wing at Shaw Air Force Base, South Carolina now wears a red, white and blue scheme honouring the YF-16 prototype.
Last PBY built will fly again
During mid-April, Consolidated PBY-6A BuNo 64107/N9825Z made the 104-mile journey east along the Interstate 90 freeway from Moses Lake, Washington State to Spokane, where it will be restored to airworthy and seaworthy condition by Vintage Aircraft Restorations at Felts Field.
Bentwaters’ T-33 restored
The Suffolk-based Bentwaters Cold War Museum announced it had finished the restoration of Lockheed T-33A-1-LO Shooting Star, 51-9252 (c/n 580-7036), in April.
Aeroplane meets Rob Collings – President of the famous Collings Foundation
The president of the Collings Foundation presides over one of the world’s largest historic aircraft fleets — and flies many of them himself with great aplomb
New RAF Sculthorpe Heritage Centre opens
On May 5 the new RAF Sculthorpe Heritage Centre held its opening ceremony in an event attended by around 1,000 people including members of the USAF’s 95th Reconnaissance Squadron.
Military
Eagles hit the streets for protection
Following the tsunami warning that was issued after a 7.4-magnitude earthquake struck approximately ten miles (16km) southwest of Hualien City in Taiwan on April 3, the Japan Air Self-Defense Force (JASDF) quickly moved to prevent any damage being caused to its F-15J Eagle fighters at Naha Air Base in Okinawa.
Mass formation of UK helicopters deploy for Steadfast Defender
A force of 16 helicopters from the 4 Regiment Army Air Corps Battle Group (4 AAC BG) departed Wattisham Flying Station, Suffolk, for mainland Europe to take part in Exercise Steadfast Defender 24.
AMX bows out of Italian Air Force service
After 35 years of service, the Italian Air Force has retired an Italian-Brazilian tactical fighter-bomber. Daniele Faccioli and Giovanni Colla were at the farewell ceremony at the Istrana Air Base
Commercial
Wiring defect caused ATR flight instrument loss
On May 18, 2024 the UK Air Accidents Investigation Branch (AAIB) published a report into a January 17, 2023 incident involving a West Atlantic ATR 72 approaching East Midlands Airport.
New home for the UK’s last Boeing 747 operator
UK cargo carrier and the only remaining operator of the Boeing 747 in the country, One Air, has moved its base from London/Heathrow to East Midlands Airport, which “will now be a regular origin and destination point [for its] freighter services connecting Asia and Europe as well as for ad hoc global charter services.”
Frankfurt Airport Viewing Guide
With four official locations to choose from, Frankfurt is a spotter’s paradise. Martyn Cartledge and Spencer Bennett offer a guide to the best sites
First UK airport gaming site opened at Manchester
Manchester has become the first UK airport to introduce a Gaming Point.
Flight Simulation
Mega Airport Oslo-Gardermoen released
Aerosoft has announced Mega Airport Oslo-Gardermoen for Microsoft Flight Simulator is out now.
Flight simulator training – Mountain flying
In this lesson, we explore the incredible and scenic terrain of the Rocky Mountains and learn about the challenges of mountain flying.
Cockspur’s Phenom 100 review
The Phenom 100 is part of a growing trend in aviation that has emerged in the last decade for Very Light Jets that offer luxury transport and modern technology. In this review, we test fly Cockspur's rendition of this popular aircraft for Microsoft Flight Simulator.
