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Of Wings & Things

About Frederick Johnsen

Fred Johnsen is a product of the historical aviation scene in the Pacific Northwest. The author of numerous historical aviation books and articles, Fred was an Air Force historian and curator. Now he devotes his energies to coverage for GAN as well as the Airailimages YouTube Channel. You can reach him at Fred@GeneralAviationNews.com.

Kinner’s bold Envoy design

By Frederick Johnsen · May 4, 2023 · Leave a Comment

A general aviation airplane ahead of its time.

World’s oldest Liberator is the CAF’s crown jewel

By Frederick Johnsen · April 6, 2023 · 11 Comments

The Commemorative Air Force’s B-24 Diamond Lil has been flying more than 80 years. More than a half-century of that time has been under CAF stewardship. Lil has never looked better.

Hamilton Metalplane’s pedigree

By Frederick Johnsen · March 27, 2023 · 3 Comments

There’s a reason the Hamilton Metalplane reminds you of a Ford Trimotor. The original Ford 3-AT Trimotor, as well as the Hamilton aircraft, were worked on by a young aircraft designer named James McDonnell — yes, that James McDonnell.

de Havilland’s diminutive Fox Moth

By Frederick Johnsen · February 6, 2023 · Leave a Comment

If front-line British warplanes advanced with the global state of the art from the 1930s into the postwar 1940s, some smaller utility aircraft remained delightfully unfazed by the eternal quest for speed or modernity. Such was the case with de Havilland’s diminutive Fox Moth biplane.

The one and only Boeing XB-15

By Frederick Johnsen · December 11, 2022 · 4 Comments

Only one Boeing XB-15 bomber prototype was built, yet it provided the giant aircraft manufacturer with design ideas that shaped the famous B-17 and Model 314 Clipper airplanes.

The Douglas Dolphin

By Frederick Johnsen · November 16, 2022 · 1 Comment

The Douglas Dolphin, launched at the beginning of the Great Depression, was a niche machine that would serve airlines, business leaders and, ultimately, the military.

The Stinson trimotor

By Frederick Johnsen · November 13, 2022 · 1 Comment

The Stinson Aircraft Company carved its own niche in the market by selling its trimotors at low prices to airlines in the 1930s.

The fate of World War II surplus aircraft

By Frederick Johnsen · October 16, 2022 · 7 Comments

Thousands of war surplus aircraft were scrapped after World War II, many salvaged for their engines, parts, and aluminum. By removing aged warplanes from the scene entirely, the aircraft industry and the military did not have to contend with some in Congress who might be attracted to false savings with old airplanes versus the development of state-of-the-art new aircraft.

Hood River Fly-In: Come for the planes, stay for the people

By Frederick Johnsen · October 5, 2022 · 3 Comments

On the smoky weekend of Sept. 10-11, 2022, about 200 fliers and their planes dropped in on WAAAM for the museum’s annual fly-in. If the varied hardware sounds interesting, linger to talk with the pilots and others who traveled here. This fly-in is a relaxed social event where you’re likely to hear tips on flying, restoring aircraft, and maintenance.

The mesmerizingly sleek Skyleader 600

By Frederick Johnsen · September 18, 2022 · 1 Comment

The Skyleader 600 displayed at AirVenture 2022 conveyed a sense of lightness and sportiness — and isn’t that the heart of a light sport aircraft?

Warbird Roundup 2022: Rare aircraft and record attendance

By Frederick Johnsen · September 12, 2022 · Leave a Comment

Take a sunny weekend in Idaho’s Treasure Valley, add about 20 warbirds, and mix with the friendly ambience of the Warhawk Air Museum in Nampa. This recipe created the largest crowd on record for the museum’s Warbird Roundup.

An eagle among crows: Bud Anderson honored at Oshkosh

By Frederick Johnsen · August 28, 2022 · 1 Comment

According to Bud the name Old Crow meant wise bird when he was talking with teetotaler friends; to others, it represented booze.

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