FlyPast Magazine

20/12/2025

Historian Mark Mower recounts the loss of the Imperial German Navy Zeppelin L 48 https://www.key.aero/article/shoot-down-zepellin-l-48-turning-point-world-war-one?utm_source=Facebook

Image credit: AirTeamImages-ATI Collection

Historian Mark Mower recounts the loss of the Imperial German Navy Zeppelin L 48 during the early hours of June 17, 1917 – a turning point in Germany’s air war against Great Britain

19/12/2025

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19/12/2025

How many questions can you get correct on our FREE SPITFIRE QUIZ? https://www.key.aero/article/try-our-quiz-legendary-spitfire?utm_source=Facebook

How many questions can you get correct?

19/12/2025

Following the update from Pays Aviation on the return of Spitfire IX BS548 back to the air as a two-seater, the Aircraft Restoration Company - who is undertaking the work - has today shared its own update, accompanied by some stunningly beautiful images.

19/12/2025

An early Xmas present for the Solway Aviation Museum with today's announcement it is to take delivery of former Fleet Air Arm Sea Harrier F/A2 ZE697 as it continues to expand its wonderful collection!

It's time for the big reveal! Solway Aviation Museum is getting a Sea Harrier F/A2 (image from Wikipedia), serial ZE697. As I type this our fantastic away team (Dougie, Steve, Steve and David) are working with Lawsons Haulage Ltd to load the airframe in deepest Lincolnshire, so keep an eye out on the roads between there and Carlisle this morning.

The aircraft was built as an FRS1 variant in 1988, converted to F/A2 in 1993, and ended its service in 2002 having served at various times with 800, 801 and 899 Naval Air Squadrons. It's another kit for us to build - photos to follow later today.

19/12/2025

The Ni**od XV232 Preservation Group was informed it is to be evicted from its Coventry Airport base, and will have to move Ni**od MR2 XV232 by the late spring of 2026 https://www.key.aero/article/coventry-nimrod-faces-uncertain-future?utm_source=Facebook

Image credit: Ian Frimston

In late October the Ni**od XV232 Preservation Group was informed it is to be evicted from its Coventry Airport base, and will have to move Hawker Siddeley Ni**od MR2 XV232 by the late spring of 2026.

18/12/2025

Another Spitfire bound for the skies! A smashing update from Pays Aviation on the progress to get Spitfire IX BS548 back in the air as a two-seater - the aircraft recently undertaking its first engine runs at Duxford where it is under the meticulous restoration with the resident Aircraft Restoration Company.

18/12/2025

In the January 2026 issue of FlyPast we step back in time with some of the rarest living legends flying today, classic jet restorations, airshow action, sky guardians of old, once proud air bases, and much more...

Korean Invader
We bring you an exclusive look at Douglas A-26 Invader ‘Sweet Eloise II’, an aircraft that recently visited the UK and is now the pride and joy of its new Polish owner. Darren Harbar profiles this charismatic aircraft and captures some air-to-air im-ages.

Jet Art Aviation
Steve Beebee visits the remarkable British organisation that has restored well over 100 classic jets, two of which are potentially airworthy.

German classic
There was plentiful warbird action at the recent Hahnweide Oldtimer airshow in Germany. FlyPast’s Jamie Ewan was there.

North Coates
Once home to 254 Squadron’s Beaufighter TF.Xs, North Coates is proud of its aviation heritage. Ken Ellis profiles the Lincolnshire base.

Zeppelin down
Historian Mark Mower recounts the dramatic loss of the Imperial German Navy Zeppelin L 48 during the early hours of June 17, 1917.

Turkish stars
Cem Dogut reports from the Sivrihisar ‘flying museum’ in eastern Turkey which features a host of fascinating and much-loved machines.

Also in this issue, our regular Classics section focuses on one of the greats from World War Two, the famously robust Grumman Wildcat. We dig deep into the type’s illustrious wartime history, and we also profile the example that has recently been restored to flight by Duxford’s Aircraft Restoration Company on behalf of its private owner.

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18/12/2025

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18/12/2025

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17/12/2025

Within the last hour, the Biggin Hill Heritage Hangar have shared news that work to return its de Havilland Mosquito FB MKVI (TE881) to the air is progressing well at Avspecs Ltd. in New Zealand. It notes the aircraft "is scheduled to take to the skies again next year".

Are we another step closer to a flying de Havilland Mosquito back in UK skies sometime in the future?