CATEGORIES

FM-2 Wildcat action in the battle of Leyte Gulf

IN MID-1943, the Grumman Aircraft Corp. began to deliver the F6F Hellcat-its latest and greatest fighter-to the U.S. Navy. It was fast, maneuverable, heavily armed and armored. It was built "Grumman tough" and soon earned the nickname "Ace Maker." As a replacement for its little brother, the F4F Wildcat, the Hellcat was everything the F4F wasn't.

MARVELOUS MUSTANGS Pilots of the 78th FG trade in their P-47s for P-51s-and love them!

IN EARLY DECEMBER OF 1944, most of the pilots in the 78th Fighter Group, especially those with over 25 combat missions under their belts, felt "fat and sassy" flying the reliable and hard-hitting P-47 Thunderbolt. Seasoned pilots realized early on that the "Jug" was like a flying tank: one that could deliver deadly punishment to the enemy and absorb most anything thrown at it.

IVANS & INDIANS

Fighting the Allies with a Fw 190

RUTHLESS JUG JOCKEY Flying with the 317th Fighter Squadron BY LT. GEORGE NOVOTNY, USAAF RET.), AS TOLD TO AND WRITTEN BY JAMES P. BUSHA

I HAD ALWAYS WANTED TO BE A FIGHTER PILOT, the man in charge,” if you will. After I had earned my wings in 1943, I was given the choice of single-engine fighters or bombers. Although multi-engines may have sounded safer, I knew that the only person who would be able to put my flying abilities to the test was me! I was sent to the 54th Fighter Group in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, to begin my indoctrination into becoming a fighter pilot. Most of the guys in the group had just returned from combat in the Aleutian Islands and the whole group was getting ready to go to the Southwest Pacific.

PROPER CG LOCATION FOR AEROBATICS

If you are getting into aerobatics and are starting to perform more advanced maneuvers, it is time to discuss ways you can not only become a better pilot, but how you can also improve the flight characteristics of your airplanes.

Legend Hobby 13-Foot L-19 Bird Dog/ Cessna O-1

This famous multi-mission single engine observation aircraft served from 1950-1974. From calling out target locations to providing intel/recon information, the Bird Dog was a valued asset in both the Korean War and Vietnam.

EARN YOUR WINGS

10 Tips for First-Flight Success

Old School Model Works Fifty Six

The Fifty Six takes its design cues from the original .09- to .15-size Carl Goldberg Falcon 56 of the 1960s. Reworked to incorporate modern, lasercut techniques to make kit building better than ever.

FLYING TWINS Multi-engine warbirds made easy

Let’s face it, there’s just something extra special about twin-engine RC aircraft. Most modelers stop what they’re doing when a twin fires up on the flightline.

HOW TO BALANCE PROPELLERS

Four easy steps to increase performance and reduce vibration

PRODUCT REVIEW: RC PLANE STANDS BENCHTOP MODEL

I’m a sucker for shop stuff. I buy tools I will probably never use just because they are cool, or I might need to use them someday. When Glen from RC Plane Stands reached out about a review, however, I knew as soon as I browsed their website that I would be receiving something I would use a lot, maybe even daily.

SPIRIT OF RHINEBECK AWARD WINNER

A close up of Norman Malinowski’s 1/3-scale Albatros

Flat Sixes

Fanatical artisans

Blue over Green, Tent in Between

I’m old , I’m cranky. Why do I keep air-camping?

Gulfstream Reveals G400, G800

The product lineup gains large-cabin and ultralong-range mounts.

Every Airplane Requires a Checkout

Embrace the challenge of mastering a new machine.

Fuhggedaboutit

Fifty-plus years of f lying forgetfulness

THE MAULE FAMILY APPROACHABLE AIRCRAFT

Choose your mount —the Maules do it all.

Sisters

“ Women certainly have the courage and tenacity required for long flights.” —Mildred Doran

INSIDE OUT OR OUTSIDE IN?

What kind of pilot should you be?

WE FLY: CESSNA CITATION CJ4 GEN2

THE FLAGSHIP CJ JUST GOT A WHOLE LOT BETTER.

The Temple of Speed

Reno entices even this altitude-oriented pilot.

The Glideslope

When you see what you expect to see

Takeoff Emergencies

Segment your departure and climb for safety.

Steve Jobs and the GTN

Why the ubiquitous works

We Fly: Cirrus Vision Jet G2+

Hot and high and connected

SkyCourier Visits Oshkosh

Serial No. 1 makes its very big debut.

Rescue Dogs and Airplanes

A good dog and a good airplane make for a good life.

Cotton Candy Sunrises

Reconnecting with my inner wanderlust after a year and a half at home

Break the Error Chain with Your Tablet

Just a little nudge will do it.