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!)
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
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
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
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!
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...
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
News from the clubs, schools & ATOs
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
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!
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!
A French pilot retires to Sweden, where he enjoys great weather, blissful flights and barbecues – and invites British flyers visit this GA-friendly country
