Expert Opinion
AIN Blog: Inspiring Magazines Missing from Aviation Arena
Aviation publishers should join forces to create a compelling and inspiring annual publication for young people interested in aviation.
A French BD-5J project, expected to fly in a couple of years. (Photo: Airliners.net/Mick Bajcar)
A French BD-5J project, expected to fly in a couple of years. (Photo: Airliners.net/Mick Bajcar)

During my frequent travels, I take advantage of down time at airports to catch up on my magazine pile. After finishing each magazine, I try to leave the still-fresh periodical where someone else can pick it up and possibly be inspired by what aviation has to offer.

It was the January 1976 issue of Flying that introduced me to the magic of aviation magazines. On the cover was handsome, young Richard Bach, smiling inside the tiny cramped cockpit of a sleek, yet stubby, airborne BD-5 jet. I read and reread that story and every single word in that issue, including all the advertisements, at least three times. (Like nearly everything else, some of Bach’s eloquent words are now available online. And click here for a terrific gallery of BD-5J photos, including a three-engine version.)

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Matt Thurber
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