FlyPast 12.2018

Br itain’s top-selling aviation monthly

EDITORIAL:

Editor - Chris Clifford

Deputy Editor – Steve Beebee

Contributing Editor - Dave Unwin

Group Editor - Stuart Qualtrough

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Editor’s Secretary: Gabrielle Sampy

FlyPast, PO Box 100, Stamford, Lincs, PE9 1XQ, UK

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DESIGN:

Art Editor – Mike Carr

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Production Editor – Sue Blunt

Deputy Production Editor – Carol Randall

Sub Editor - Norman Wells

Production Manager – Janet Watkins

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Advertisement Manager – Gemma Gray

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ISSN 0262-

Art Editor

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Welcome

T

his month’s focus on Headcorn-based
warbird operator Aero Legends has
enabled me to enjoy the  ight of a lifetime.
Many aviation enthusiasts dream of slipping
earth’s surly bonds in a Spit re, but it  nally
happened for me. The bonus was also having
a single-seater with which to tail-chase, and
all on a gloriously sunny autumn day. I still haven’t come down from
the electrifying buzz of it all, and my wife is probably  nding me
unbearable as I can’t stop talking about it.
It does make the point, though, that the dream really can turn
into reality for some of us due to the blossoming ‘experience  ight’
market, and the number of  rms providing trips in Spit res,
Mustangs, Harvards, Tiger Moths and other types adds extra spice to
the warbird scene.
Of course, budget will always be an issue for most of us but relatively
speaking, the price of  ying in, say, a Spit re is not that expensive.
Yes, it’s a serious treat taking to the air in what is Britain’s most iconic

 ying machine, but there are still the wartime trainers to provide a

more wallet-friendly, yet equally thrilling experience, one to reminisce

about for years. Instead of simply watching these magni cent aircraft

from the ground, why not investigate the possibility of enjoying one in

its natural environment? Ultimately, our custom helps to maintain and

preserve these historic machines and that can only be a good thing. We

may have lost many of the men and women who  ew them in wartime

but their mounts serve to commemorate their deeds and leave a  tting

legacy... not least our freedom. So, if you have been wavering over

a warbird  ight, or perhaps have not considered it before, I urge you

to make the step, strap in and enjoy the ride. I guarantee you’ll never

forget it.

Chris Clifford

Editor

[email protected]

Besides trips in a two-seat Spitfi re, Aero Legends also offers a warbird ‘fl y along’

experience in a de Havilland Devon. DARREN HABAR