Just in time for Christmas! The January-February 2017 issue of Australian Flying could be the perfect stocking-stuffer and provide your aviation fanatic friend with lots of great reading over the holiday period. This time around we explore the importance of a good pre-flight inspection, examine the used aircraft market, lay out the trials and tribulations of the instructor rating and have a look at flight bags and the future of general aviation. You won't miss the brilliant shot of a Piper M-350 on the front cover.
Here's more about this issue.
Destinations
Here's something completely different: Nick Ashley saunters out to Ochre Arch Farm near Cowra to report on a fly-in initiative set-up by the property owners.
The Buyers Advantage
A must-read for anyone thinking of buying a second-hand aircraft! Steve Hitchen delved into a market squeeze that has left buyers in the box seat when it comes to getting good bargains.
Flying for Australia
Forget the cricket! In January, Australia's best glider pilots will pit their skills against the rest of the world in the World Gliding Championships at Benalla. John Absolon tell us how it's done and why the Aussie team will give the other contenders something to think hard about.
Reach for the Sky
Always up for an adventure, Shelley Ross travels the rocky road to getting her instructor rating. Possibly the most difficult of all aviation qualifications, Shelley tackles the task with aplomb ... and a good lie down.
On Closer Inspection
Everyone worries about the big things, but in aviation it is often the small things that will bring you undone, which is why we do pre-flight inspections. But are you inspecting, or just looking? Steve Hitchen investigate what makes up a good pre-flight.
Lesson from a Logbook
In a feature that could have been titled Bastards I have Met, Jim Davis recalls some characters that gave him reason to think hard about his flying, and recounts stories both hilarious and concerning.
It's in the Bag
In our guide to flight bags, you'll find a healthy array of what's on the market, what makes the a great cockpit companion and where to get your hands on the perfect bag for your missions.
The Times They are a-Changing
Paul Southwick ruminates over the ever-changing future of aviation and asks some of Australia's top general aviation companies what they are doing to stay on track in a challenging environment.
And all the regulars like Airmail, News, Rotors, What Can We Learn, A Spot of Recreation, Good Sports, The Kernels of Wheatie and of course Hitch's editorial and Short Final.