This post could upset the Webmaster and see me given the flick, but I hope not – it certainly is not intended to achieve that purpose.
I purchase both Flypast and Aeroplane Monthly (A/M), which costs about $20 in Australia per month. For that outlay, I get about 6 to 8 hours solid reading please and education.
I have to be perfectly candid, however, and state that I prefer the content of A/M to that of Flypast. In particular, I like the database section, dealing with the development and working history of a specific aircraft each month. I’m not at all interested in light aircraft or airshows, both of which get a fair coverage in Flypast. As my interest lies with World War 2 aircraft and the early jets, both magazines are of value to me, but A/M is the better of the two in that regard. I have to say, though, that the Flypast website is far better with this forum.
What do other members think? Do you purchase both magazines and do you prefer one to the other? Do you like the content, the over/under-emphasis on specific areas (eg airshows).
I have observed during some recent threads, that some members were somewhat critical of the direction that Flypast has taken over recent years.
I don’t wish to upset the Webmaster or the Flypast editorial staff with this question. Who knows, it may be that some valuable feedback results which improves the standard and helps to keep Flypast flying past.
So, what do you fellow members think about the quality and content of Flypast and its most obvious competitor?
Regards
Wombat
By: Rabie - 21st December 2002 at 20:38
RE: Flypast versus Aeroplanemonthly
my problems is i don’t wnat ot spend the money to buy a mag with one or twoo article on post war jets (which im into and afm dosen’t cover) – i recntly brought AE or tom cooper’s article and there were two other atcile on jets but the 3 together weren’t really worth my fiver (and the postage for buying online cos my local shops don’t stock it)
anyway ………..
rabie :9
By: Ant.H - 21st December 2002 at 18:27
RE: Flypast versus Aeroplanemonthly
Hi folks,
I really can’t decide which is better than the other,I think for various reasons they are about equal.I buy both every month often without even browsing through them first (I can’t afford the lump subscription price).
I think the two work well together because Aeroplane have a far greater interest in everything pre-1945,including early pioneers,WW1 etc,which now gets practically NO coverage by Flypast.On the other hand,Flypast are very much in touch with news and preservation issues, aswell as the more modern aviation history.I’m just as happy reading about Javelins in the Far East as Sopwith Dolphins on the Western Front,so there’s always something for me in both titles.
Having said that,there is more of a personal touch to Aeroplane.If you write them an Email,you get a specific reply,even if your material or whatever isn’t used.Emails to Flypast often go unreplied, even if your letter or whatever is going to be published.There are also more typo’s and spelling mistakes in Flypast,which gives it a mass produced feel,whereas Aeroplane’s standards seem to be a bit higher.I know I’m nitpicking,but I’m afraid little things like that can bother me no end!
I’d agree with Wombat about the Database section,I think it’s a cracking feature,but I think it’s best left to one magazine.The gatefold section with a cutaway and colour profiles etc which Flypast do occasionally is a good way of doing a similar thing without it being too much the same.
The only criticism I have is that there are never enough pages in either!
I also pick up other titles such as Pilot,Wingspan,AirEnthusiast and ClassicWings Downunder(when I can get hold of it),but I only buy issues with articles of particular and usually historical interest in them.I got magazines coming out of my..ears! 😉
By: EHVB - 21st December 2002 at 07:17
RE: Flypast versus Aeroplanemonthly
[updated:LAST EDITED ON 21-12-02 AT 07:18Â AM (GMT)]When I compare the two mags,for me FlyPast is the winner. I started with Aeroplane Monthly a long time ago (in 1974 after I had my first lessons of English at school ( I am from Holland)) , but stopped my subscription the moment Flypast arrived. For me FlyPast is the best historic mag, while Aircraft illustrated is the best allround mag (IMHO), both I am subscribed to. BW Roger
PS Isn’t this one a better item for the FlyPast forum than for General Discussions ??
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December 21, 2002 at 12:48 am