FlightCom Magazine

23/07/2024

22/07/2024

Convair XF2Y-1 Sea Dart seaplane jet fighter prototype 137634 demonstrating its ability to move from water to land. It could roll thanks to small wheels on its skids. It is the only seaplane to have exceeded the speed of sound. Kinda has a James Bond feel to it - surprised it was never in a 007 movie! The four surviving planes were retired in 1957, but some were kept in reserve until 1962.

22/07/2024

21/07/2024

21/07/2024

An American GI inspects a P47 Thunderbolt captured by German forces and studied in this hangar Germany April 1945 In the foreground you can see a P51D Mustang .

21/07/2024

20/07/2024

19/07/2024

Why were A-37 pilots not considered fighter pilots by the other ones flying the F-4, F-100,F-111, and F-105?
The A-37 Dragonfly, also known as the Cessna A-37B, was a light attack aircraft primarily used during the Vietnam War. Unlike the F-4 Phantom II, F-100 Super Sabre, F-111 Aardvark, and F-105 Thunderchief, which were designed as dedicated fighter aircraft, the A-37 was specifically developed for ground attack and close air support missions.
One key reason for the distinction is the difference in mission objectives. Fighter pilots are typically tasked with engaging enemy aircraft in aerial combat, while A-37 pilots focused more on supporting ground forces by conducting strikes against enemy targets on the ground. This difference in mission scope might have led some pilots of dedicated fighter aircraft to perceive A-37 pilots as not fulfilling the traditional fighter pilot role.
Another aspect is the performance capabilities of the respective aircraft. The F-4, F-100, F-111, and F-105 were all high-performance supersonic jets capable of achieving higher speeds and altitudes. In contrast, the A-37 was a subsonic aircraft with a lower top speed and limited operational ceiling. This performance disparity could have contributed to the perception that A-37 pilots were not on par with their counterparts flying faster, more advanced fighter aircraft.
The A-37 was a relatively smaller and less technologically advanced aircraft compared to the others you mentioned. The F-4, F-100, F-111, and F-105 were all larger, more complex aircraft equipped with advanced avionics, radar systems, and weapon capabilities. In contrast, the A-37 was a simpler, more compact platform designed for more specific operational requirements. This disparity in size and technological sophistication may have influenced the perception of A-37 pilots as being in a different category.
Also, it's important to note that these distinctions are primarily based on perception and the specific context of the Vietnam War era. Different aircraft types often fulfill different roles within a military operation, and the categorization of pilots can vary based on individual perspectives and experiences.
Like my answer will make both of us happier.

19/07/2024

Wildcat, Hellcat, Tomcat.
Cool video shows five legendary fighters flying together – four from WW2 and the Tomcat
https://amznewspaper.com/cool-video-shows-five-legendary-fighters-flying-together-four-from-ww2-and-the-tomcat/

19/07/2024

South African Airways is planning to add a number of new destinations by April next year.

19/07/2024

18/07/2024

17/07/2024

22 Squadron Oryx Helicopter executing a tight starboard turn at low level.

📸💬: Col Graham Du Toit : Saaf Museum

17/07/2024

21/12/2022

THE SADDEST OF DAYS

Although 21st of December 2014 is the Shortest day of the year , Today will be the Longest day for many , as it will be a day filled with thought and sadness !
34 years since the worst Act of terrorism Caused the Murder of 270 People at The Busy wee Scottish Town of Lockerbie here in Dumfries and Galloway .

243 passengers and 16 crew on board 'Pan Am Flight 103 ( Maid of the Seas ) ' Died when a Bomb Exploded and caused the aircraft to crash in and around the surrounding area of Lockerbie, killing 11 more people on the ground. the The Busy wee Scottish Town of Lockerbie here in Dumfries and Galloway !
Today Lockerbie will remember that saddest of days that they can never forget from back in 1988, .
Today Our thoughts ,Prayers and respect go to those that Died on that day , their families and loved ones all over the world , The Folk of Lockerbie, and The Brave men and women from the Rescue services and volunteers that spent months searching and clearing the area afterwards !

It was 7.03pm this night back in 1988 that the maid of the sea ( Pan Am flight 103 fell silent)

20/12/2022

The reason for this is down to simple mathematics and physics. The circumference of the Earth is a lot further around the equator than it is at higher or

20/12/2022

Did you ever wonder why Singapore Airlines first class stopped serving Dom Pérignon recently? Well, now we know why! Emirates just did a very Emirates thing: buy the rights to be the only airline to…

20/12/2022

With Whiteman AFB's only runway still closed, the installation has now also put an open-ended safety pause on all B-2 operations.

19/12/2022

Tom Cruise has made a return to South Africa as he continues to film his next movie, Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning.

19/12/2022

Airbus has sent around 60 engineers to Dubai “to deal with the problem,” Emirates Airline President Tim Clark told Aviation Week.