Do talk back! Taming and displaying the Russian bear has been a challenge and a dream come true (but don’t tell my little Pitts!)
![Yakety Yak...](https://magarticles.magzter.com/articles/9334/197396/5853cf94e74da/Yakety-Yak.jpg)
The rumble of the Russian radial reverberating through my body is accompanied by an unmistakable smell; a mixture of fuel, oil, smoke and well worn metal. Outside, the world passes beneath me, dreamlike, as I stare out through the canopy of this pure-bred aerobat, descendent of so many famous fighters. There is something indescribable about this machine that will be forever engrained in my soul.
I am first and foremost a Pitts pilot. I’ve been flying the diminutive biplane for a few years now and have spent the vast majority of my airborne time with two complete sets of wings strapped on, and a flat-four Lycoming ahead of me. Every time I come back down I am aware that, although mostly docile, she can transform into a raging demon at a moment’s notice, keeping me on my toes. So my reaction to AT Aviation’s invitation to fly the Yak-50 was split between confidence and terror about taking a seat in one of my ultimate bucket-list aircraft.
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Esta historia es de la edición January 2017 de Pilot.
Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 9,000 revistas y periódicos.
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![Hybrid-Electric ‘Hawaii Bird' Makes First Flight](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/9334/536424/5f9130509f345/crp_Hybrid-electric-Hawaii-Bird-makes-first-flight.jpg)
Hybrid-Electric ‘Hawaii Bird' Makes First Flight
Electric aviation company Ampaire flew its second technology demonstrator on 10 September. The aircraft is a refined version of its Cessna 337 ‘Electric EEL’ hybrid-electric power conversion.
![Rare Rearwin](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/9334/536424/5f9124c5137af/crp_Rare-Rearwin.jpg)
Rare Rearwin
Made in tiny numbers by Piper and Aeronca standards, the beautifully-engineered Rearwin Skyranger proves to be a delight waiting to be discovered
![Dr Hill's new helicopter](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/9334/536424/5f912fce4b101/crp_Dr-Hills-new-helicopter.jpg)
Dr Hill's new helicopter
You’ve seen pictures of concept helicopters before, and most of them never rose from the paper… but this one has a better chance than most of flying in the real world. It’s the Hill HX50, and the designer describes it as a ‘disruptive’ entry into the small helicopter market, offering a step-change for the better in safety, performance, comfort and elegance.
![Make mine a turbine!](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/9334/536424/5f912637e12ab/crp_Make-mine-a-turbine.jpg)
Make mine a turbine!
To say aviation and turbines is a happy marriage is true−albeit mainly in the airline, business aircraft and helicopter world. Light aviation, especially the ultralight segment, remains essentially a turbine free field−apart from noble exceptions, in the form of single-engine jets and ‘experimentals’.
![Industry experts say...](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/9334/536424/5f9128ce422ea/crp_Industry-experts-say.jpg)
Industry experts say...
Representatives from a selection of Approved Training Organisations look forward to the future of Commercial Air Travel and prospects for professional pilots after the pandemic
![Flight training](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/9334/536424/5f9131a4d615c/crp_Flight-training.jpg)
Flight training
News from the clubs, schools & ATOs
![First airline job](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/9334/536424/5f91285fbd8bc/crp_First-airline-job.jpg)
First airline job
... won and lost after just eighteen months in the right-hand seat. Reflections on the rewards of the hardest work in a lifetime
![Safety Matters](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/9334/536424/5f912aa83cf63/crp_Safety-Matters.jpg)
Safety Matters
Safety Matters and Safety Briefs are based on the AAIB Bulletin and UK Airprox Board reports, with additional material from the US National Transportation Safety Board.
![Donegal wins ‘most beautiful airport' - again!](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/9334/536424/5f9130afe4ecd/crp_Donegal-wins-most-beautiful-airport-again.jpg)
Donegal wins ‘most beautiful airport' - again!
Donegal in Ireland has been named as the ‘world’s most beautiful airport 2020’ – for the third successive year – in a major vote by more than six thousand ‘flying fans’. The award is given as part of the annual Scenic Airports poll conducted by private jet booking service PrivateFly.
![Come to Sweden!](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/9334/536424/5f912d7e9d2f4/crp_Come-to-Sweden.jpg)
Come to Sweden!
A French pilot retires to Sweden, where he enjoys great weather, blissful flights and barbecues – and invites British flyers visit this GA-friendly country