James Kightly (Commissioning Editor)

James Kightly, from Melbourne, Australia, discovered his passion for aviation at the Moorabbin collection in the late 1960s. With over 30 years of writing experience for aviation magazines in the UK, US, Australia, and France, he is a feature writer for Aeroplane Monthly and an advisor for the RAAF History & Heritage Branch. James has interviewed aviation professionals worldwide and co-runs the Aviation Cultures conferences. He has flown in historic aircraft like the Canadian Warplane Heritage’s Lancaster. At Vintage Aviation News, he ensures accurate and insightful aviation history articles. Outside aviation, James has worked extensively in the book trade and museums. He supports the Moorabbin Air Museum and the Shuttleworth Collection. James lives in rural Victoria with his wife and dog.
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61 Articles

More than 11 Blériots!

A look at the surviving Blériots and variations thereof around the world today

Nederlands Transport Museum Set to Close

The Dutch Transport Museum in Nieuw-Vennep has been unable to find a new location, and…

Any Old Armor? The Junkers J.1 Today

The Junkers J.1 was a remarkable technical pioneer of the armored, toughened ground attack aircraft.…

Rare ‘Twin Pin’ To Return To Flight!

The rare aircraft was fired up and taxied for first time since its arrival at…

‘The Shepherd’ Disney’s Christmas Mystery Film

The story of the de Havilland Vampire appearing in John Travolta's short film based on…

Forgotten Lysander Registered by Fighter Collection

British, Westland, Yeovilton-built Mk.IIIA example has been placed on the British civil register.

Forgotten KLM DC-2 Adventure Published

By James Kightly, Commissioning Editor On October 26, 2024, at Albury airport, New South Wales,…

Impressive ‘Warbirds Downunder Airshow’ Came Back

After several missing years, Australia's main warbird show is back with a bang in New…

Aussie Antiquers 50th Fly-In

By Commissioning Editor James Kightly On the extended weekend of the April 18th - 21st …

Centennial Reenactment of First Aerial Circumnavigation of Australia

By James Kightly, Commissioning Editor On April 12th, 2024 adventurer Michael Smith set off to…