P-38 pilot honoured with heritage jet

At 102 years old, retired Captain Jim Kunkle received a tribute that few could imagine: a KC-135R Stratotanker adorned with the colours of his wartime P-38. Kunkle, a P-38 pilot from the 401st Fighter Squadron during World War II, was honoured by the Nebraska Air National Guard’s 155th Air Refueling Wing at the Central Coast AirFest last month. The newly painted KC-135 features black-and-white invasion stripes and nose art inspired by Kunkle’s P-38.

A P-38 sits on static display next to the 155th Air Refueling Wing’s KC-135 with invasion stripes, Sept. 22, 2024, during the Central Coast AirFest at the Santa Maria Airport in Santa Maria, California. The KC-135’s heritage paint scheme honors Jim Kunkle, World War II U.S. Army Air Corps veteran. Kunkle served as a fighter pilot during WWII in the 401st Fighter Squadron which transformed into the 173rd Air Refueling Squadron, 155th ARW. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Alexander D. Schriner)

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AAIB report on Spitfire IXT, G-LFIX forced landing

A Spitfire IXT (G-LFIX) experienced engine failure on May 6, leading to a forced landing at Pitsford Airfield near Sywell, Northants. Britain’s Air Accidents Investigation Branch (AAIB) published an incident report on Oct. 10 detailing the event. The aircraft carried one pilot and one passenger. Damage was sustained to the propeller and left wing, but both occupants were unharmed.

Supermarine Spitfire T9 ‘ML407 - OU-V’ (G-LFIX) (19730596616)
Alan Wilson from Stilton, Peterborough, Cambs, UK, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

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‘Francis L’ arrives at the Museum of Aviation

A C-47A Skytrain aircraft, known as “Francis L”, recently made a 3,500-mile journey from a museum in Alaska to the Museum of Aviation at Robins Air Force Base, Georgia, where it will undergo a full restoration. The aircraft, which participated in key World War II operations, including D-Day and Operation Market Garden, will be restored to its original condition and put on display.


U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Raina Dale
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