Category: Commercial Aviation

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British Commercial Aviation Development Told Through Detailed Accounts, Previously Unseen Photos

Coming soon from Key Publishing and author Roger Staker is Piston, Passengers and Payload, which follows the development of British piston-engine passenger and commercial transport aircraft between the end of the Great War and the early 1950s, when piston engines were superseded by jets and turboprops.

This period saw rapid change at a technological level, in response to an emerging market for transport of all types. It also witnessed the birth, failures and mergers of numerous air transport companies.

Flying was not without risks, Alongside the acknowledged successes that helped to make the world a smaller place, there were tragedies, Lessons learned from these contributed to the safer travel environment that we enjoy today. The pace of commercial aircraft development was given added urgency by World War Two, with many civilian aircraft pressed into military service: not all survived.

Featuring many previously unseen photos, this book is the story of a previously closed chapter in British aviation and offers detailed accounts of 17 manufacturers whose advanced designs paved the way.

The page book is currently available for pre-order with release set for September 30.

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The History of British Airways Told Through Museum Artifacts

Coming soon from Amberley Publishing and author Al Bridger is British Airways in 100 Objects, which is focused on artifacts held by the British Airways Speedbird Centre.

British Airways has an almost unique history. Spanning over a century from the first flight of Aircraft Transport and Travel Ltd from London to Paris in 1919 to the modern fuel-efficient aircraft of its current fleet, British Airways has proudly connected Britain to the World and the World to Britain. Over that journey through the rapidly evolving early years of pioneering aviation, taking days to cross continents with biplanes and seaplanes, through the post-war piston-engine luxury, the iconic jet age of the fabulous Boeing 707 and 747, the supersonic marvel of Concorde into the modern era of travel, British Airways has seen many historic events and carried literally billions of customers. Along the way that journey has generated vast amounts of treasured items, many of which are now displayed or stored at British Airways headquarters near Heathrow in its truly incredible museum, the Speedbird Centre. Much of the archive has true national importance and is kept as part of the nation’s heritage. From simple in-flight mementos to the Olympic torch, the items featured in this book represent just a flavour of that collection and bring decades of flight to life.

The 144 page, paperback publication is currently available for pre-order with release set for May 15.

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New Book Details the Service History of the Concorde in Photographs

New from The History Press and author Robbie Shaw is Concorde: A Collection in Photographs which is packed with stunning color photographs of Concorde aircraft throughout the aircraft’s service history.

Compiled by Robbie Shaw, ex air traffic controller and lifetime aviation photographer and enthusiast, it covers both British and Air France Concorde aircraft and highlights the impressive collaboration between the two nations that resulted in such an important and beloved aircraft. With over 140 images covering such themes as British Airways and Air France Concordes, the Pepsi Cola ad campaign, and the emotional retirement day at Heathrow, this book showcases quality photographs of an iconic supersonic airliner, for which only 14 of the type entered airline service, and whose like will never be seen again.

The book spans 145 pages and is available in paperback format.

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Lockheed Constellation: Its Development, Service and Legacy in Detail

Set for release later this year is author Colin Higgs’ examination of the iconic Lockheed Constellation, which has become a symbol of the golden age of air travel worldwide.

Lockheed Constellation tells the story of the aircraft that was used by more than 100 airlines and air forces in thirty-eight countries; an airliner that came to epitomize the grand and romantic age of flight in the post-war years before the jet engine ruled. It tells of the wartime development which made the USAAF buy the first few aircraft off the production line; the post-war development which would see nine variants built; of the great airlines around the globe that would make the Constellation their first choice flagships; of the amazing technological advances made during development; and of the enduring legacy of this unique aircraft.

The 176 page paperback publication is currently available for pre-order with release scheduled for June 30.

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Moving a Lockheed Constellation is Not a Simple Process [Video]

Fantasy of Flight founder Kermit Weeks has posted a new video documenting the move of his Lockheed Constellation in preparation for construction of a new hangar.

This particular aircraft (N974R) is a Lockheed L-1649 Starliner, the final Constellation variant. During its long service history it flew with Lufthansa and served as a freighter with Lockheed Air Service. It was acquired by Fantasy of Flight in 2011.

The new video is the first in a two part series and can be seen after the break along with Kermit’s overview of N974R’s journey to Fantasy of Flight. As you’ll see, the move is more complicated and interesting than you might expect.

Continue reading Moving a Lockheed Constellation is Not a Simple Process [Video]

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Surprise Special Issue Release! – Time Flies: Aviation’s Golden Age

As a new year surprise for our readers, Aerodynamic Media. LLC offers TIME FLIES: a special edition journal focused on aircraft connected to the golden age of aviation (1920s and 30s). The newly released issue offers history, aircraft reproduction and restoration project reports, as well as new / upcoming product releases. TIME FLIES is the sister publication of Aerodynamic Media’s quarterly journal THE FLYING MACHINE, which focuses on pre-1920 aircraft.

Contents: Special Edition (2021): 40 Pages – The Curious History of the Chanute Sailplane; Craftlab’s Klemm 20 B Project; Saving the Potomac Pacemaker (DC-3); News Briefs: Savoia-Marchetti S.79 Tail Surfaces Undergoing Restoration for Display, Ryan ST Reborn in Kit Form, The Definitive Reproduction NYP: The Spirit of St. Louis by JNE; Products

Click here to check out our full selection!

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Douglas DC-6 Cockpit Trainer Project Offered For Sale

Please Note: This is an archived post. The information presented here may not be current and the associated listing may no longer be active.

A Douglas DC-6 cockpit trainer has been spotted for sale. The listing states (in part):

Acquired by Bill Duff from the United Air Training Center when Stapleton Airport was still around in Denver. Used to training incoming United pilots on the DC-6 operating system. The Simulator is in okay condition, missing most of its controlling unit set up for the sim. Window glass and aluminum skins are in decnt shaoe, glass has some hazing from age. No indicators, radios, or seats

The trainer is located in Greeley, Colorado and is currently being offered for US $7,000, although offers are also being accepted. Click here to check out the complete listing on eBay.

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Kermit Weeks Conducts Video Tour of His Lockheed Constellation

In response to a subscriber request, Kermit Weeks has posted a video tour of his Lockheed Constellation.

The video includes a walk-around and walk-through, along with the commentary that is “full of fun and interesting tidbits.” As Kermit points out, if the video has good views and feedback, he will go on to the subscriber’s second choice, the B-29.

Click below to check it out.

Continue reading Kermit Weeks Conducts Video Tour of His Lockheed Constellation

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Unanimous Decision Secures New Home for C-53 “Beach City Baby”

Commissioners in Venango County, Pennsylvania have reportedly approved a “memorandum of understanding” with Vintage Wings, Inc. that will see their newly restored C-53 Skytrooper housed at the Franklin Venango Regional Airport.

The unanimous decision paves the way for the Skytrooper to be flown from its current location in Ohio to its new home – an event that is expected to take place this summer.

The aircraft (S/N 41-20095) was constructed by Douglas and was on the factory floor when the Pearl Harbor attack occurred in December 1941. It was delivered to the USAAC in January 1942 and was soon flown to Africa to participate in Operation Torch. The machine also saw service transporting troops and VIPs during the war and completed its service with FEA, Cairo Division.

Following civilian service with Danish Airlines/SAS and a stint as “Buckeye One,” the official state aircraft for the governor of Ohio, the Skytrooper was retired and flown to the USAF Museum in Dayton, Ohio where it remained until 1990, when it was acquired by Ohio University of Athens and stripped of its engines. Eventually Ken Joseph stepped in and returned it to an airworthy state, obtaining a ferry permit and flying it to Beach City, Ohio in 1992. Continue reading Unanimous Decision Secures New Home for C-53 “Beach City Baby”