Air Classics December 2018

 

ON THE COVER:

 

Spectators at Reno 2018 were treated to the rare sight of Bell P-63A Kingcobra Pretty Polly battling around the pylons. Owned and operated by the Palm Springs Air Museum, the mid-engine fighter was flown by Jim “JD” Dale. P-51D Crusader, flown by J.P. Thibodeau, brings up the rear. Photography by Doug Fisher

 

OTHER FEATURES:

 

MARINER VS. SHARKS

The Marin PBM Mariner is, today, a nearly forgotten US Navy veteran of the deadly war in the Pacific against the Japanese. The Mariner served as a patrol plane, sub hunter, convoy protector, and day/night bomber. The author describes flying the big twin-engine seaplane and then delves into a specific, and tragic, mission / by Clark Duane Roush

 

BITTERSWEET SYMPHONY

Where were the Super Unlimiteds? They weren’t at Reno 2018. We do our yearly in-depth examination of the Reno National Air Races’ Unlimited class and talk with pilots, owners, and crews to get their opinion on the future of air racing / by Scott Germain

 

HOOKED ON AVIATION

For Part Nine of this popular series, we conclude the history of the film I Wanted Wings and its creator, Beirne Lay Jr. Coming out before America’s entry into the Second World War, I Wanted Wings has been compared to Top Gun for its ability to get young men to join the military, learn to fly, and then fight for their country / by Jim Farmer

 

WARBIRD AND CLASSIC REPORT

This month, we see a great deal of news involving the vintage and veteran aircraft world — some good, some bad

 

T.O.C.

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