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

Tyabb Airshow 2024

By James Kightly, Commissioning Editor, and Nigel Hitchman In Victoria, Australia, another successful Tyabb airshow…

The Making of Masters of the Air, Part 4: Magneto To Go

By Taigh Ramey. Once again, thanks to well-known warbird expert Taigh Ramey, we can take…

Project 2014 Bristol Boxkite – A Decade & A Century On

By James Kightly, Commissioning Editor Ten years ago this weekend, on Saturday, March 1st, 2014…

Looking Back at Tyabb Airshow 2020

By James Kightly, Commissioning Editor The 2024 Tyabb Airshow at Westernport Airfield in Victoria, Australia…

The Making of Masters of The Air Part 3: Guns, Guns, Guns

Masters of the Air details: Gunnery. Taigh Ramey takes us though another inside story on…

Dutch Call Time on DC-3 Pleasure Flying

By James Kightly, Commissioning Editor One of the world's longest-serving vintage aircraft rides organizations is…

Veteran Auster Restored In Original Kiwi Colors

By Grant Newman Following a two-year full restoration, a historic Royal New Zealand Air Force…

The Making of Masters of the Air Part 2: Hero Prop Paperwork

By Taigh Ramey. Once again, thanks to well-known warbird expert Taigh Ramey, we can take…

Aviation Archaeology Online Event

By James Kightly The Aviation Cultures Conferences team have arranged for several professional, expert aviation…

Wings Over Britain – Partner Podcast Update

By Matt Austin One of the joys of being a young aviation enthusiast in the…