Vintage Aviation News

11/21/2025

For over 75 years, Edwards Air Force Base has stood at the forefront of aerospace innovation, where test pilots and engineers have pushed the limits of flight. Now, the Air Force Flight Test Museum is preparing to open a new 60,000-square-foot facility that will showcase this legacy like never before. From the legendary Happy Bottom Riding Club to the world’s only “Black Hangar” exhibit featuring the A-12 Blackbird and YF-117 Nighthawk, the expanded museum promises an immersive journey through the history—and future—of flight testing. https://loom.ly/p1xF-Lo

For over 75 years, Edwards Air Force Base has stood at the forefront of aerospace innovation, where test pilots and engineers have pushed the limits of flight. Now, the Air Force Flight Test Museum is preparing to open a new 60,000-square-foot facility that will showcase this legacy like never befor...

11/19/2025

Pat Epps, 91, a pioneering aviator, vintage aviation supporter, and leader of the iconic Glacier Girl P-38 recovery, passed away peacefully in Atlanta. Known for his generosity, mentorship, and lifelong devotion to flight, Epps leaves a lasting legacy in the aviation community. https://loom.ly/pcx3zg0

Pat Epps, 91, a pioneering aviator, vintage aviation supporter, and leader of the iconic Glacier Girl P-38 recovery, passed away peacefully in Atlanta. Known for his generosity, mentorship, and lifelong devotion to flight, Epps leaves a lasting legacy in the aviation community.

11/17/2025

The historic P-51D Mustang Sierra Sue II—flown in combat by 1st Lt. Robert Bohna during World War II and fully restored by AirCorps Aviation —is one of the few surviving Mustangs with verified combat history. This iconic aircraft, combining wartime authenticity with modern restoration excellence, is now available for sale. https://loom.ly/nz-JipM

The historic P-51D Mustang Sierra Sue II—flown in combat by 1st Lt. Robert Bohna during World War II and fully restored by AirCorps Aviation—is one of the few surviving Mustangs with verified combat history. This iconic aircraft, combining wartime authenticity with modern restoration excellence,...

11/15/2025

We join the aviation community in honoring the passing of Pat Epps, an aviation legend and a devoted supporter of vintage aviation and veterans. He was a personal friend and a role model to many. Pat Epps is perhaps best known in the warbird community for directing the spectacular recovery of a World War II P-38 fighter—Glacier Girl—buried beneath 265 feet of the Greenland ice cap. But he was so much more. Stories abound of warbird and vintage pilots who received free fuel and support simply for stopping by his FBO in Atlanta. A USAF veteran, Pat flew T-28s, B-25s, and KC-97s. He worked for Boeing as one of the first engineers on flight tests for the B-707, now on display at the Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center. He supported countless vintage aviation and veterans organizations, embodying the spirit of a true southern gentleman, iconic businessman, and lifelong promoter of aviation. The number of aviation careers launched thanks to Pat Epps is immense—he gave opportunities where others wouldn’t. The word legend is often overused, yet Pat Epps truly lived up to it.

11/15/2025

Brent Mosbrook covered the 2025 Central Coast Airfest for Vintage Aviation News, capturing the excitement and energy of the event at Santa Maria Airport. From Planes of Fame’s impressive collection to rare privately owned warbirds, fans were treated to a weekend of historic aircraft, aerobatics, and California’s iconic aerial firefighting fleet. https://loom.ly/8cfYZxY

11/14/2025

Brent Mosbrook covered the 2025 Central Coast Airfest for Vintage Aviation News, capturing the excitement and energy of the event at Santa Maria Airport. From Planes of Fame’s impressive collection to rare privately owned warbirds, fans were treated to a weekend of historic aircraft, aerobatics, and California’s iconic aerial firefighting fleet. https://loom.ly/8cfYZxY

Brent Mosbrook covered the 2025 Central Coast Airfest for Vintage Aviation News, capturing the excitement and energy of the event at Santa Maria Airport. From Planes of Fame’s impressive collection to rare privately owned warbirds, fans were treated to a weekend of historic aircraft, aerobatics, a...

11/13/2025

Nigel Hitchman recounts the 2025 Ala Doble Fly-In, where aviation enthusiasts witnessed rare aircraft in action, including Curtiss Jennies, a Spitfire 1A, and the returning F8F-2 Bearcat. With expertly restored warbirds, thrilling flypasts, and record-breaking OX-5 formations, the event showcased the dedication of collectors and volunteers in preserving aviation history. Photo and article by Nigel Hitchman > https://vintageaviationnews.com/vintage-aviation/ala-doble-fly-in-2025-nigel-hitchman-captures-a-spectacular-vintage-aviation-gathering.html

11/12/2025

Nigel Hitchman recounts the 2025 Ala Doble Fly-In, where aviation enthusiasts witnessed rare aircraft in action, including Curtiss Jennies, a Spitfire 1A, and the returning F8F-2 Bearcat. With expertly restored warbirds, thrilling flypasts, and record-breaking OX-5 formations, the event showcased the dedication of collectors and volunteers in preserving aviation history. https://loom.ly/6kv3u98

Nigel Hitchman recounts the 2025 Ala Doble Fly-In, where aviation enthusiasts witnessed rare aircraft in action, including Curtiss Jennies, a Spitfire 1A, and the returning F8F-2 Bearcat. With expertly restored warbirds, thrilling flypasts, and record-breaking OX-5 formations, the event showcased th...

11/11/2025

Aero Legends has made aviation history with its new Mach Loop Jet Experience — giving civilians the chance to fly through the world-famous Welsh valleys where RAF and NATO pilots train at high speed and low altitude. The exclusive BAC Strikemaster flights from Hawarden Airport sold out in record time, proving just how strong the passion for authentic military jet experiences remains among aviation enthusiasts. https://loom.ly/Tfl08NA

Aero Legends has made aviation history with its new Mach Loop Jet Experience — giving civilians the chance to fly through the world-famous Welsh valleys where RAF and NATO pilots train at high speed and low altitude. The exclusive BAC Strikemaster flights from Hawarden Airport sold out in record t...

11/10/2025

The San Diego Air and Space Museum announce their plans to move their F-14A Tomcat, star of Top Gun: Maverick to the entrance of its historic Balboa Park branch. https://loom.ly/Qj089Qs

The San Diego Air and Space Museum announce their plans to move their F-14A Tomcat, star of Top Gun: Maverick to the entrance of its historic Balboa Park branch.

11/09/2025

At Museo Volandia near Milan, the restoration of P-47D Thunderbolt MM4653 marks the revival of one of Italy’s rarest postwar fighters. Delivered to the Italian Air Force in 1951, this aircraft served through the nation’s early NATO years before being used for engineering studies and later preserved. Now painstakingly restored by Volandia’s skilled volunteers and the Aeronautica Militare, the Thunderbolt is set to return to public display, celebrating a vital chapter in Italy’s aviation heritage. https://loom.ly/zKtj3Qw

At Museo Volandia near Milan, the restoration of P-47D Thunderbolt MM4653 marks the revival of one of Italy’s rarest postwar fighters. Delivered to the Italian Air Force in 1951, this aircraft served through the nation’s early NATO years before being used for engineering studies and later preser...