When I was proofreading last month's feature on Newark Air Museum, I marvelled at the fact that our interviewee, Howard Heeley, had been a volunteer with that amazing organisation for more than 50 years - literally as both man and boy. In a similar vein, we also met teenager James Beaumont, who was helping out at North Weald airfield on the day our Spitfire flight winner took to the air with Aero Legends. It's these sorts of people, with an absolute passion for classic aircraft, that power this incredible hobby of ours. There wouldn't be many clubs, associations, air shows or restorations if it wasn't for the vital input of volunteers - those willing to give (often) years of their valuable time to celebrate and keep these complex and fickle aircraft in working order for the benefit of us all. They may not do it for the plaudits, but they all deserve a pat on the back. So if you know of any exceptional volunteers, do let me know. And next time you see one humbly going about their business at a show or museum, let them know that you appreciate their efforts. This month's mag certainly contains some diverse content. Once again, those canny Kiwis at Avspecs Ltd in New Zealand have delivered us a sensational cover aircraft: Supermarine Spitfire Mk.XVI TB252. Before its remarkable restoration to as-new condition this Spit was something of a 'journeyman', even spending 29 years as a gate guardian. Now it's back where it belongs - carving clouds - and ace photographer Gavin Conroy has captured it in all of its renewed glory. Our FlyPast Classics this month highlights the venerable MiG-19, while super-pilot Dave Unwin heads skywards in two BAC Strikemasters. Meanwhile, Darren Harbar visits Aerospace Bristol, home to one of this country's finest aircraft collections, while ex-editor Ken Ellis meanders his way around the fascinating Bolt Head airfield in Devon.
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