From movie magic to high speed reconnaissance to a casual biplane hop, sometimes the best photo of the day isn’t of an airplane, but rather of its sun-blocking presence in shadow.
warbirds
New novel features B-17 hijacked during air show
The Lost Bird is the story of two modern-day families, criminals without conscience, and an awkward partnership formed in an attempt to find the missing plane.
Picture of the Day: Devil Dog
Lindy Segall submitted this photo and note: “Piloted by Beth Jenkins and Ashley Shelton, the B-25 “Devil Dog” lifts off to the delight of participants at the 2023 Commemorative Air Force Blue Bonnet Airshow. ”
Picture of the Day: Hold that Tiger
Gord McNulty submitted this photo and note: “Vintage aircraft like this World War II-era de Havilland D.H. 82 Tiger Moth trainer drew aviation fans to Guelph Airpark in southern Ontario, Canada, for the annual Tiger Boys open house and fly-in, held on a beautiful September 2023 day. The Tiger Moth was designed in 1931 as a primary trainer for the Royal Air Force. It was one of several training aircraft that made an enormous contribution to the British Commonwealth Air Training Plan. An estimated 7,800 Tiger Moths were built for the RAF and other Allied air forces. Of these, 1,550 were manufactured in Canada. Various Canadian modifications for RCAF service included a jettisonable cockpit canopy, cockpit heating, wheel brakes, a tailwheel, and a more powerful engine. Tiger Moths have remained a popular type with people with a nostalgic interest in the biplane and continue to be collectors items in the aviation community.”
Picture of the Day: Winter maintenance
John Schmidt submitted this photo and note: “Commemorative Air Force members Ron Bombeck, crew chief Dan Bombeck, and pilot Jeff Knutson inspect the Pratt and Whitney R-985 on the nose of the Minnesota Wing’s Oshkosh-award-winning BT-13 in the hangar at South St. Paul Airport (KSGS). Winter maintenance has begun, and it’s an excellent time to see the warbirds, with inspection panels off, as crews of volunteers prepare the airplanes for another air show season.”
Warbird propeller debuts
The new 4-blade propeller was recently certified by EASA, with FAA certification in the works. Initial certification was for the Twin Mustang F82, but the propeller can also be installed on the P-51, according to officials with the German company.
Heavy metal: The Junkers armored patrol plane
The armored Junkers J.I reached frontline units toward the end of 1917 during World War I. The biplane gained affection for the rugged protection it offered its crews, who flew at low altitudes to determine the ebb and flow of the front lines of combat.
Picture of the Day: Scout at La Ferté Alais
Simon Paul submitted this photo and note: “A Royal Aircraft Factory SE.5A Scout performing at the La Ferté Alais Air Show, just south of Paris, France, on June 27, 2023. A great show with many old-timers and warbirds.”
Picture of the Day: Unique Fokker flying again
Robert Erenstein submitted this photo and note: “The only flyworthy Fokker D.XXI (D.21) in the world, a Dutch design from just before the Second World War, has recently become airborne again. Van Egmond Vintage Wings — a private initiative — has built it from original parts and it is completely new again. Here it is flyig from Hoogeveen Airport in The Netherlands.”