Flyer Magazine

Flyer's editorial team
  • 2.3 (3)
  • Aviation
  • Updated fortnightly

News, views and chat from the world of General Aviation

  1. 6 days ago

    80 fabulous years of the deHavilland Chipmunk - The FLYER Show - 18th June 2026

    “Why do people get all misty-eyed about an old oily piston single with only two seats?” But this isn’t any old piston single, this is the de Havilland Chipmunk! Yes, on this week’s show we talk to Ben Griffiths, journalist, pilot and author of a book celebrating 80 years since the Chippie’s first flight. All sorts of fascinating facts and awesome stories are revealed… the Chipmunk Cold War Spy Plane, for one! News There’s news about the reopening of Old Sarum Airfield to visiting aircraft, the record number of gyrocopters turning up at Old Warden Airfield, and tickets on sale for the Aviator’s Ball. In What Caught My Eye: Annabel is thrilled by the appearance of a North American Rockwell OV-10 Bronco at the RAF Cosford Air Show - and it will be sticking around for some more air shows this summer. Dave spots the first signs of this year’s EAA AirVenture Oshkosh with the start of SimVenture, a virtual fly-in based on Oshkosh. Fly at the iconic Fisk Approach and hear the unusual instructions from the Oshkosh air traffic controllers. Ed remembers the unusual McDonnell 220, a four-engine business jet that sadly failed to find a market leaving the one and only 220 ever built languishing at El Paso Airport. Now there’s a campaign to save the survivor. Plus: SkyDemon tip of the week Simon Keeling’s weekend weather forecast FLYER Club latest Events for the busiest weekend of the year Links:  Aviator’s Ball tickets https://www.aerobility.com/aviators-ball-2026 SimVenture https://pilotedge.net/pages/simventure Pre-order Chipmunk at 80 book https://chipmunkat80.carrd.co/ #GeneralAviation #aviationnews #pilots #airfield #aviationhistory #chipmunk

    44 min

  2. 11 Jun

    GA and Drones plus dumb CAA advice - The FLYER Show - 11th June 2026

    We call it YADS (Yet Another Drone Story), but last week the CAA launched YAC (Yet Another Consultation), publishing three hefty documents capable of curing insomnia even after five double espressos. Despite the eye-wateringly dull and confusing content they offer a fascinating glimpse into how the regulator sees the future of UK Beyond Visual Line of Sight drone ops. We took one for the team and read them so you don’t have to. Watch the segment to find out why we think Electronic Conspicuity is set to play an increasingly significant role in everyday flying. In the News: Continental Aerospace Technologies, which was acquired by AVIC, the Chinese state-owned aerospace giant in 2011, is back in US ownership following its purchase by Arcline Investment Management. Meanwhile, Cirrus Aircraft, also owned by AVIC, has been designated a Chinese Military Company by the US Department of Defense (we know). Closer to home, the UK CAA issued infringement avoidance advice for Coventry just days before the airspace was withdrawn, then followed it up with some positively dangerous guidance for pilots using the North West Transit Corridor. In What Caught My Eye: Ian spotted a classic Cessna 185 in a starring role in The Dog Stars, a major film due for release later this year and Ed’s attention was captured by a beautifully restored DC-3 that managed to escape Coventry before the closure. Join the FLYER Club today: flyer.co.uk/membership London Flying Club Event: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/lfc-evening-with-ian-seager-tickets-1987319557293?aff=oddtdtcreator #GeneralAviation #aviationnews #pilots #airfield #aviationhistory #DC3 #Cessna185

    39 min

  3. 4 Jun

    Replica Warbirds - The FLYER Show - 4th June 2026

    Few of us can afford a genuine warbird but there’s a world of replica aircraft out there, many built from kits, some from plans and others – the really dedicated – from studying museum pieces and or photos. Some are full-scale, others scaled down. Many use modern components such as engines although a few hardy, brave souls with deeper pockets go for the real thing.  We picked three replicas available right away in the aviation classifieds: Nieuport 11: chosen by Dave who was really looking for a Nieuport 17 because its was the favourite fighter of British WWI ace Albert Ball. However, this 11 is a stunning choice with its New Zealand builder spending time studying an original at Le Bourget’s famous aviation museum. Sopwith Scout: chosen by Ed. It’s a factory- accurate replica and powered by an original Le Rhone engine and original instruments.  Airdrome Sopwith Baby: chosen by Ian. Airdrome Aeroplanes offers kit versions of many early aircraft and this one was ready to fly from its current home in Serbia. Beautifully finished, it had somehow gained an extra seat! In the News: Bye, bye Bicester: Bicester Motion is doing great things with the former wartime airfield but for the classic car industry not to preserve the site’s aviation heritage. Save Nottingham Airport: Campaigners refuse to give up! Now they’re asking for a Judicial Review of the decision to build houses on the site. Ireland’s Newcastle Aerodrome, just 30 miles south of Dublin and right on the coast, is up for sale. Tuning up: CubCrafters has come up with a way of enhancing the performance of the Rotax 916 engine simply by tuning the software. Farnborough fling: There’s a very unusual aviation related building up for sale close to the airport: the Farnborough Centrifuge. In What Caught My Eye: Dave falls for flying in New Zealand with a video of a de Havilland Beaver swooping across the countryside flown by a handy cropsprayer. Ian spots a chateau in France with its own air force: more than 100 ex-military jets parked on its lawn. Ed finds an impressive way to supply remote communities in North America with essentials: beer! Yes, it’s the keg drop! #aviationnews #replica #aviationhistory #pilots #airfield

    47 min

  4. 28 May

    Transatlantic flight, done! - The FLYER Show - 28th May 2026

    For some, including Ian, it’s a bucket list item. For others, ferry pilots, it’s a job. Whatever, it’s not a flight to be taken lightly because of weather, distance, weather, over water, weather, over ice, weather, fuel availability, weather… and did we mention, weather? We examine the difficulties and how they can be tackled or at least minimised. What aircraft to choose? Potential mods. Intelligent safety aids to carry. What’s the paperwork required? What’s the best routing, both VFR and IFR. In the News Why is squawking a monitoring code a good idea around Oxford Airport?  The Flying Reporter’s transatlantic adventure takes off… with an emergency RIAT cancelled Paraglider’s Great Escape after mid-air collision Glenforsa stages its 54th Annual Mull Fly-in FLYER Club news June free landing: Easter, Kingsmuir, Eshott and Yatesbury New safety webinar: Gliding and Shared Airspace Send your flying photos and videos to us! In What Caught My Eye Dave marvels at the action at Wolverhampton Halfpeny Green Airport over last weekend: Chippies galore plus a totally gorgeous and rare Douglas C41A makes the airport its new base Ian falls in love again for a French beauty: this time it’s the Renault-Caudron C.460 replica which made an appearance at La Ferte-Alais air show at the weekend Ed heads straight for the burgers at the first Popham BBQ of the summer season and has nothing but praise for the chefs, the marshals, airfield managers and all the other pilots who also flew in. Flying at its best! Links FAA North Atlantic Flight Planning document: https://www.faa.gov/air_traffic/publications/media/NAT%20IGA%202004.pdf Flying Reporter: https://www.flyingreporter.co.uk/ Gliding and Shared Airspace webinar: https://youtube.com/live/Xtnc_TVrrFg #aviationnews #atlanticcrossing #aviationadventures #pilots #aviationcrash

    49 min

  5. 21 May

    AFFORDABLE WARBIRDS - The FLYER Show - 21st May 2026

    So what’s a warbird? Any aircraft with a military purpose at some point in its life, is what we’ve gone for. But not the £MultiMillion exotica like Spitfires and Hurricanes, but something an ordinary pilot could own outright or have a share.  So what have we chosen? Ian has plumped for the Chipmunk, of course, because the subject is inspired by this week’s International Gathering of Chipminks at Halfpenny Green (Wolverhampton) which will celebrate the aircraft’s first flight 80 years ago. Take one Piper Cub J34, paint it drab green rather than bright yellow and you have the L4, an aerial reconnaissance aircraft used across the European theatre during WW11. Ed loves a Cub, so that’s his choice. Dave found an absolutely gorgeous Boeing Stearman PT-17 dating from 1941. The big biplane was a primary trainer and almost all US pilots and 10,000 British pilots learnt the basics. It’s big, brash and very, very tough. In this week’s News: British company announces a composite kitplane Spitfire World Airsports Day has been decreed: it’s 14 October Flown west: aviation writer Rod Simpson and Sportys founder Hal Shrevers Pilot Careers Live North gets a new venue after outgrowing the old one. Tickets are available now for the event on 11 July FLYER Club News Next webinar: Gliding activity in shared skies with Pete Stratten of the Britosh Gliding Association. It’s at 7pm, Wednesday 27 May  and open to all. Find it here, on FLYER’s YouTube channel In What Caught My Eye: Floatplane flying in the Italian lakes: Dave splashes down at Aero Club Como where it’s possible to not only complete a Seaplane Rating but also train for a complete PPL(A) Ian gets fired up about a strange press release from a drone company fitting machine guns (yes, really) Ed remembers Sheila Scott, who became the first British pilot to fly solo around the world in 1966 Links: Historic & Classic (Stearman and L4) https://historicandclassicaircraftsales.com/ Pilot Careers Live North https://www.pilotcareernews.com/live/uk-manchester-11-july-2026/ #warbirds #aviationnews #aviation #pilots #ww2history #historicalaircraft

    1hr 1min

  6. 14 May

    Special Top Gun Edition - The FLYER Show - 14th May 2026

    The world’s greatest ever movie, Top Gun, was first shown in May 1986 so it’s now 40 years old and still as appealing as ever! We celebrate the date with our favourite scenes and lines, plus reveal some of the back stories which are just as bad-ass.  In The News Doncaster Sheffield Airport inches closer to re-opening 4Air’s electric aircraft gift to Aerobility Royal Aero Club annual awards Popham’s neighbours need our help CAA wants our feedback on Manchester’s North West Transit Corridor PPL Skill Test standards document updated Special offer from Hangar Homes Plus SkyDemon Tip of the Week, Weekend Weather Forecast, Club News and Events In What Caught My Eye Dave finds a classic tailwheel aircraft for just £3,500 Annabel makes a splash in Scotland with a Seaplane Rating Ed spots one of FLYER’s best ever flight test aircraft is up for sale  Links Popham’s neighbours need our help: https://flyer.co.uk/pophams-neighbours-need-help-to-defeat-hgv-nightmare/ North West Transit Corridor feedback: https://consultations.caa.co.uk/safety-and-airspace-regulation-group/nwtc-pir/ PPL Skill Test Standards Document 19A: https://www.caa.co.uk/data-and-publications/publications/documents/content/standards-document-19-a/ Special offer on hangar home at Enniskillen Aeropark: https://flyer.co.uk/special-offer-on-a-hangar-home-at-enniskillen-aeropark/ Lockheed12A Electra Junior Flight Test: https://flyer.co.uk/feature/lockheed-12a-electra-junior/ Behind the Scenes with Top Gun: Maverick Aerial Team / Cinejet: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lQUGwYHhCKw #topgun #topgunmaverick #aviation #aviationnews #pilots #movies

    51 min

  7. 7 May

    Waco Whacked! Sonex Saved! - The FLYER Show - 7th May 2026

    “To make a small fortune in aviation, start with a large one!” It’s as hard as ever to stay in business in General Aviation (GA) with manufacturers struggling to make money or even break even. We take a look back at three of the big name brands that have faced tough times, run through some of the many casualties - and end with a couple of surprises. In the News: Popham Microlight Trade Fair was a huge success Sonex Aircraft bounces back Drones get loadsamoney Govt support - but at what cost to GA DeltaHawk update: Jet A burning new engine is causing a stir In What Caught My Eye: Dave is shocked by Robinson Helicopter’s electric plans Ian spots signs of a long gone and much missed airfield Ed has a mad twin! Blimey, can we cope? Plus: SkyDemon tip of the week Simon Keeling’s Weekend Weather forecast FLYER Club news Flying events coming up Links FLYER #FLY2026 Challenge: https://forums.flyer.co.uk/viewtopic.php?t=139024 FLYER Club membership: https://flyer.co.uk/membership/ #generalaviation #aviationnews #popham #waco  #aviation

    55 min

  8. 30 Apr

    Mighty Microlights! (And the Cheap ‘n Cheerful) - The FLYER Show - 30th April 2026

    Ahead of the Popham Microlight Trade Fair we take a look at the UK’s booming 600kg Light Sport Microlight category: what aircraft are approved, what’s on the way and our Top 5. In the News: AERO 2026 was a huge success: Ed has the numbers What’s new in radio chat: CAA updates CAP 413, the R/T manual Blackbushe flight school aiming for record airfield landings Popham Microlight Trade Faire this weekend Club News: Free landings for May: Causeway, Perth, Felthorpe and Jersey Catch up on a brand new webinar about flying to and from the Channel Islands In What Caught My Eye: Ian spots a new easy to use Traffic Display Dave marvels at a French two-seat jet, the Sipa S.200. Think mini Vampire Ed is stunned by the very last Beech Staggerwing, a beautiful biplane once owned by Walter Beech himself… and it’s for sale Links Video Best of Aero: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MmJ5YP1-OUM FLYER Club membership: https://flyer.co.uk/membership/ Donate to Airfirst’s “Beyond the Record” Challenge: https://www.gofundme.com/f/beyond-the-record-airfield-challenge #aero2026 #aviationnews #popham #microlight #aviation

    55 min
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Ratings & Reviews

2.3
out of 5
3 Ratings

About

News, views and chat from the world of General Aviation

Information

  • Creator
    Flyer's editorial team
  • Years Active
    2020 - 2026
  • Episodes
    43
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Flyer Magazine
  • Show Website
    Flyer Magazine

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