Sign in

Ben Dunnell Aviation

@bdaviation.bsky.social
141 followers 44 following 50 posts

Airshow commentator and editor of Aeroplane magazine. Personal views only.

PostsRepliesMedia
Reposted by Ben Dunnell Aviation
The Aviation Show @theaviation.show · 11/06/2026
Chris Gibson is showing, in his new article on the RP-3 in this month's Aeroplane, that I want to write like him when I grow up. It is a superb article. I suppose this is also why, rightly, @bendunnell.bsky.social doesn't ring anymore! 😉 www.key.aero/article/rock...
The cover of the July 2026 issue of Aeroplane which shows an RAF pilot of 2TAF showing his Hawker Typhoon's rockets to a couple of Army bods, including a chap in a skirt.

If my Scottish wife is reading this, I'm sorry love, I couldn't help myself.
2142
Reposted by Ben Dunnell Aviation
Newark Air Museum @newarkairmuseum.bsky.social · 05/06/2026
We have some exciting news to share regarding our long term future, which can now be issued. Full details can be found in the news release linked below, which has now been approved for distribution. www.newarkairmuseum.org/on-the-radar... #Project2039 #NAMtarget2039
2194
Ben Dunnell Aviation @bdaviation.bsky.social · 16/05/2026
Maybe now this charade has finally been put to bed, a serious discussion can be had about, you know, real aircraft that might equip the Red Arrows and the actual - and very genuine - value of the team, instead of a pipedream beloved of little Englanders.
241
Ben Dunnell Aviation @bdaviation.bsky.social · 27/04/2026
For any Tory, or Tory supporter, to bemoan the lack of a decision on the Red Arrows’ replacement aircraft - and the paucity of British-built options - is the very height of hypocrisy given that they were in power for 14 years and did next to nothing to address the issue.
141
Ben Dunnell Aviation @bdaviation.bsky.social · 23/04/2026
Quite apart from anything else, Station of Nations is a great title.
110
Reposted by Ben Dunnell Aviation
Hush-Kit aviation news, history & satire @hushkit.bsky.social · 22/04/2026
'Miss Shilling's Orifice' is kinda funny as a nickname, but using it in the 2020s is bullshit (as well as tiresome). Tying the brilliant achievement of a female engineer to a fanny reference is not cool. I've used this term before myself and regret it.
271
Reposted by Ben Dunnell Aviation
James D Kightly @jdkightly.bsky.social · 06/04/2026
Good series on the Dornier Do 24 et al by James. I'd add that the Dornier patent sponsons gave exceptional seaworthiness to these 'boats, and the Do 24 was a remarkable aircraft by any measure, as I explored in my Database for Aeroplane magazine in July 2024.
Cover of the Database section in Aeroplane in July 2024 by James Kightly on the Dornier Do 24.
1206
Reposted by Ben Dunnell Aviation
James D Kightly @jdkightly.bsky.social · 03/04/2026
The Vickers Wellesley's story is remarkable, inc 3 elements: A con Vickers pulled to try out what proved to be Barnes Wallis' surprisingly exceptional geodetic design; a world record that survived a world war; and being a remarkably good bomber in a left-over 1930s war. Cough: Aeroplane Oct 2025.
The cover of the Vickers Wellesley Database by James Kightly (your host here, too, and the cover of the full magazine 'Aeroplane' from October 2025, still available from Key Publishing.
1125
Ben Dunnell Aviation @bdaviation.bsky.social · 02/04/2026
I really do begin to wonder what happens to flying display activity in this situation.
000
Ben Dunnell Aviation @bdaviation.bsky.social · 01/04/2026
Thank goodness Newark found space for this under cover, given how other Varsities have been neglected by far bigger museums.
272
Reposted by Ben Dunnell Aviation
Matt Bone @boneyabroad.com · 11/03/2026
A brilliant, devastating response to Grammarly et al by @moryan.bsky.social that you really should read. I love reading all the words that come from this "underpaid, deeply creative heart".
Because actual writers and artists and creative folks are right here! All we want is baseline respect and reasonable compensation. But the snake-oil salespeople involved in pushing these the hallucinating plagiarism machines on the rest of us think any compensation is too much! The executives ruining human discourse and the planet – they must be lavishly paid. Actual creators — we get exactly nothing. No money, no respect, no consent. 

And so, from the bottom of my underpaid, deeply creative heart: Fuck you.
043
Reposted by Ben Dunnell Aviation
Alan Allport @alanallport.bsky.social · 04/03/2026
It is impossible to imagine Eisenhower saying he would fight “without mercy” even against the Nazis; nor would he have reveled in the thought of death and destruction. He would have regarded it not only as deeply un-American but also beneath his dignity as a serious career soldier.
626453
Reposted by Ben Dunnell Aviation
Nick Pettigrew @nick-pettigrew.bsky.social · 08/02/2026
I'm convinced AI is our generation's radium - a discovery with genuinely useful applications in specific, controlled circumstances that we stupidly put in everything from kid's toys to toothpaste until we realised the harm far too late where future generations will ask if we were out of our minds.
266195596014
Ben Dunnell Aviation @bdaviation.bsky.social · 06/02/2026
The RAF Museum’s Vickers Vimy replica has gone to the National Aviation Museum of Korea. An announcement was made this morning: www.youtube.com/live/4ztXJx6...
youtube.com
[LIVE] VICKERS VIMY _ Bridging Korea and Britain [ENG]
YouTube video by 국립항공박물관
010
Reposted by Ben Dunnell Aviation
Louise Bedford | Archaeology @louisearchaeology.bsky.social · 01/02/2026
The British Museum posted Al slop and quietly deleted it. Here's what it was and why it matters. #archaeology🏺#musuem #culture #heritage #history
231187556
Reposted by Ben Dunnell Aviation
Newark Air Museum @newarkairmuseum.bsky.social · 24/01/2026
Photos taken after a reflective moment in #NAMHangar2 whilst trying to process yesterday’s shameful & uninformed comments by a supposed ally! #LestWeForget
173
Ben Dunnell Aviation @bdaviation.bsky.social · 24/01/2026
I’ve got a bridge to sell you if you believe this is going to happen.
020
Reposted by Ben Dunnell Aviation
Bob @bobmm.bsky.social · 13/01/2026
If you are a non US citizen and operating an N reg aircraft this is an issue www.faa.gov/newsroom/faa... I can think of a few a/c this will effect
faa.gov
011
Ben Dunnell Aviation @bdaviation.bsky.social · 13/01/2026
A shameful, deeply concerning development. And one that could happen under a far-right government in the UK, without a doubt.
011
Reposted by Ben Dunnell Aviation
Lucy Betteridge-Dyson @lmbd1418.bsky.social · 09/01/2026
Still using X? Or even worse, paying for it? If the hate speech wasn’t a good enough reason for you to leave, I wonder if Musk’s AI stripping clothes off your daughters and wives at the request of other users is? Those with big followers in mil hist should check themselves @almurray.bsky.social etc
theguardian.com
Grok being used to create sexually violent videos featuring women, research finds
AI tool also used to undress image of the woman killed by a federal immigration agent in the US, says research
411735
Ben Dunnell Aviation @bdaviation.bsky.social · 28/11/2025
It’s increasingly depressing that (a) so many online outlets in the aviation world think they can get away with running the most blatantly AI-generated or ‘enhanced’ written material, and that (b) a lot of people don’t seem to mind.
030
Ben Dunnell Aviation @bdaviation.bsky.social · 14/11/2025
Now the only example of the type under cover in a UK museum, of course, which tells a very sad story.
030
Reposted by Ben Dunnell Aviation
Trevon Logan @trevondlogan.bsky.social · 09/11/2025
Black American soldiers literally dug these WWII graves. Traumatic. To acknowledge that fact at a cemetery they helped construct is something the Heritage Foundation cannot accept. As Veterans Day approaches, never forget that this country both compels and disrespects Black military service. Always.
3028461191
Reposted by Ben Dunnell Aviation
Helen Kennedy @helenkennedy.com · 09/11/2025
Aged like roadkill in RFK’s trunk.
• whitehouse.gov
FACT SHEETS
FACT SHEET:
PRESIDENT
DONALD J. TRUMP
ENDS DEI MADNESS AND RESTORES EXCELLENCE AND SAFETY
WITHIN THE FEDERAL AVIATION ADMINISTRATION
January 22, 2025
191878443
Ben Dunnell Aviation @bdaviation.bsky.social · 10/10/2025
I should imagine the BAe 146 isn’t deemed to count because it has American engines, which strikes me as, to put it mildly, semantics.
200
Reposted by Ben Dunnell Aviation
James D Kightly @jdkightly.bsky.social · 16/09/2025
Aeroplane Monthly magazine is out in the UK, with my latest Database (No 21!) on the Vickers Wellesley, a remarkable, under represented aircraft. Here's a lovely cartoon of it which wasn't going to be used, and a (hint) link to the website if you'd like a copy! shop.keypublishing.com/products/aer...
A cartoon of the Vickers Wellesley, ink line drawing, eggagerating the aircraft's distinctive features. Caption 'THE UNKIND UNTRUTH (With appologies in all directions) No 11: The Vickers Wesley or Sky-pilot.'Cover of the Database feature and the Aeroplane magazine cover inset.
0112
Reposted by Ben Dunnell Aviation
Stephan Segraves @stephan.wtf · 05/09/2025
We could have won the Vietnam War had we not been so woke.
252
Reposted by Ben Dunnell Aviation
Colleen Mondor @chasingray.bsky.social · 05/09/2025
Good to know that Harry Truman and Dwight Eisenhower are now to be considered "woke".
0123
Ben Dunnell Aviation @bdaviation.bsky.social · 19/08/2025
I can only second this. I have used it for an article for work and for private purposes, and to restrict this important facility would be a terrible limitation on all sorts of research.
033
Reposted by Ben Dunnell Aviation
Royal International Air Tattoo @airtattoo.bsky.social · 03/07/2025
As part of our 'Eyes in the Skies' theme we're pleased the U-2 will perform in the flying display on Saturday and Sunday! Plus, multiple USAF aircraft on static display, including B-1 and C-5. For the full update, visit www.airtattoo.com/the-airshow/...
254
Reposted by Ben Dunnell Aviation
Nick Jennings @n-jennings-photog.bsky.social · 28/06/2025
Just back from a cracking day at Shuttleworth. Right at the end of the show, as the wind dropped and the sun was setting, those gathered were fortunate to see the airshow debut of the replica De Havilland DH.71 Tiger Moth. What a sight!
De Havilland DH.71 Tiger Moth (replica), Steve Jones. G-ECDX
3172
Reposted by Ben Dunnell Aviation
Flightline UK @airshows.org.uk · 10/06/2025
AIRSHOW NEWS: Bournemouth moves to cut Air Festival A report produced by BCP Council has recommended the Council “stops any further work on an Air Festival for 2026 onwards.” buff.ly/FDJkgMT #airshows #avgeek #airdisplays #bmthairfest @bmthairfest
buff.ly
AIRSHOW NEWS: Bournemouth moves to cut Air Festival
A report produced by BCP Council has recommended the Council "stops any further work on an Air Festival for 2026 onwards."
003
Ben Dunnell Aviation @bdaviation.bsky.social · 07/06/2025
This is a superb piece.
010
Reposted by Ben Dunnell Aviation
Royal International Air Tattoo @airtattoo.bsky.social · 05/06/2025
Another flying display confirmed for RIAT25 with the French Atlantique! Also, several additions to the static line including Royal Canadian Air Force Aurora and Hercules, Italian ATR 42 and Royal Air Force Envoy. See the full update at: www.airtattoo.com/the-airshow/...
063
Reposted by Ben Dunnell Aviation
Newark Air Museum @newarkairmuseum.bsky.social · 22/05/2025
The #Harvard has been moved out of the #NAMworkshop and reassembled ready for the bank holiday weekend! Photo credit S Blyth
0101
Reposted by Ben Dunnell Aviation
British Air Display Association [BADA] @bada-uk.com · 16/05/2025
BADA is very sad to learn of the death of Desmond Penrose, the former de Havilland test pilot, who has passed away aged 95. www.bada-uk.com/2025/05/desm...
bada-uk.com
Desmond Penrose - British Air Display Association
BADA is very sad to learn of the death of Desmond Penrose, the former de Havilland test pilot, who has passed away aged 95.
002
Ben Dunnell Aviation @bdaviation.bsky.social · 13/05/2025
Very sad to hear of the death at 95 of Desmond Penrose, former de Havilland experimental test pilot, long-time Shuttleworth pilot, Mew Gull and Arrow Active owner, and so much else besides - but, above all, a charming gentleman.
031
Reposted by Ben Dunnell Aviation
James Jefferies @jamesjhistory.bsky.social · 02/05/2025
There are no words strong enough to sum up how insulting this is. I knew this man was an utter turd of a human being (being very polite here!) but I am genuinely fuming here! 😡
2610911
Reposted by Ben Dunnell Aviation
Royal International Air Tattoo @airtattoo.bsky.social · 01/05/2025
Polish Tiger Demo Team confirmed for RIAT25 flying display with their F-16! Plus Irish Air Corps PC-12 & AW139, French Fouga Magister and Douglas R4D-6S all joining the static display. See all the aircraft confirmed to date at www.airtattoo.com/the-airshow/...
022
Ben Dunnell Aviation @bdaviation.bsky.social · 25/04/2025
Might start writing in the unmistakeable AI slop style and see if anyone notices, because it does seem to be all too widely tolerated. “[X aircraft] soared through the skies in an unforgettable aerial performance, thrilling young and old alike, in a vivid showcase of its legendary capabilities…”
010
Reposted by Ben Dunnell Aviation
Newark Air Museum @newarkairmuseum.bsky.social · 24/04/2025
The Supermarine #Swift #WK277 has now left site - the end of an era!
041
Reposted by Ben Dunnell Aviation
Newark Air Museum @newarkairmuseum.bsky.social · 21/04/2025
Tomorrow should see work start on dismantling Supermarine #Swift #WK277 ready for its move to Wales!
0152
Reposted by Ben Dunnell Aviation
Royal International Air Tattoo @airtattoo.bsky.social · 10/04/2025
Spanish Navy Harrier returns to RIAT to perform in the flying display! In addition, Slovak Spartan and civilian Chipmunks and Kragujs join the static display. For the full update, visit www.airtattoo.com/the-airshow/...
1101
Reposted by Ben Dunnell Aviation
Newark Air Museum @newarkairmuseum.bsky.social · 02/04/2025
A sad 1st is now underway at the museum with the dismantling for disposal of the #Canberra PR7 #WH791 – the previously specified parts recovery is well underway; multiple write-ups going back to 2023, of how this decision has been reached can be found in here www.newarkairmuseum.org/latest-news
Work now underway to dismantle the badly corroded Canberra PR7 aircraft ready for it being scrapped.Work now underway to dismantle the badly corroded Canberra PR7 aircraft ready for it being scrapped; requested parts are now being removed from the aircraft.Some of the requested parts that have been removed from the aircraft, are now in store pending disposal/collection.
0121
Reposted by Ben Dunnell Aviation
Adam Spink 🏳️‍🌈 @adamspink.bsky.social · 01/04/2025
Regardless of one's view of the UK CAA, I'm very proud to live in a nation where this sort of thing is normal, and wouldn't result in people being sacked or erased from official media content.
111
Reposted by Ben Dunnell Aviation
Newark Air Museum @newarkairmuseum.bsky.social · 01/04/2025
News just in - a couple of more weeks to catch Supermaine Swift #WK277 before it heads over the Welsh border! #EveryNAMvisitCounts
092
Reposted by Ben Dunnell Aviation
Alan White @aljwhite.bsky.social · 26/03/2025
Possibly the greatest local news story Im going to see this year, and it’s only March
Woman slams selfish paragliders who ‘made her think Hamas were invading Doncaster’
511327425
Reposted by Ben Dunnell Aviation
Riley Silverman @rileysilverman.bsky.social · 25/03/2025
Please stop using ChatGPT in general, but also, please, please stop using it and then taking what it says to you as fact. It's usually wrong! It doesn't fact check itself. It just creates approximations of information based on other text! It's basically magnetic poetry that sets the world ablaze.
17258541778
Reposted by Ben Dunnell Aviation
Maz Jovanovich @mazjovanovich.bsky.social · 22/03/2025
Post inspired by getting this a few minutes ago when clicking on a WASP article. For shame.
404 Page not found message screen
2515
Reposted by Ben Dunnell Aviation
Maz Jovanovich @mazjovanovich.bsky.social · 22/03/2025
No amount of “404 Not Found” will wipe their bravery and achievement off the record. They were the Women Airforce Service Pilots and they will not be forgotten.
Four smiling women aviators from the Women Airforce Service Pilots in front of an aircraft
211144291