Come fly with us

Series: Magazines and journals available at State Library.

In this blog series our librarians dive into our print journals and magazine collection for the hidden gems, personal favourites and most requested.

Next in the series Librarian Anne Wong shares a wonderful selection of aviation journals and magazines.

For those with a passion for all things aviation State Library of Queensland has a selection of magazines covering general aviation, including flying for recreation and sport, as well as commercial and defence aviation.

Australian Publications

Whether you are starting out and keen to obtain a recreational pilot licence, an experienced commercial pilot or work behind the scenes in the aviation industry check out these Australian publications for all the latest industry news, safety matters and aircraft movements.

Australian Flying covers general, recreational and sport aviation.  It is published six times per year, with the past five years available for browsing on Level 2. Some articles of interest in the May/June 2021 issue include managing tailwheel aircraft, secrets of successful flight training schools, engine management systems, as well as a look at training for Commercial Pilots Licence using electronic flight instrument displays verse traditional glass cockpits.

Australian Aviation is another Australian publication found at State Library, but this journal focuses on commercial and defence industries and is published quarterly. Issue no 380 features a centenary of service of the Royal Australian Air Force, a look back at the turboprop Vickers Viscount, an analysis of the current Australian commercial landscape, and reminisce over images taken by photographer Rob Finlayson of Australian aviation in the 80’s.  Also, you will find the regular announcements of traffic air movements from across the region including new routes, deliveries and purchases.

International Publications

If you are looking for a broader coverage of aviation and aeronautical topics the following international publications are also available for reading on Level 2.

Air International is published in the United Kingdom and covers commercial, military, unmanned engines systems and future technologies in the aviation industry. The journal is published monthly and can be viewed on Level 2. Some articles of interest in the May 2021 issue include hybrid-powered aircraft, the Canadian vertical-lift Helijet, flying drones for commercial applications, research into the use of hydrogen fuel cells for commercial aircraft and China’s new J-20 fighter.

Air & Space Smithsonian is produced by the Smithsonian Institute and compliments the institution’s National Air and Space Museum.  This journal is published six times a year and is full of amazing images and interesting articles.  It covers aviation and space exploration as well as featuring items from the museum’s collection. The January 2021 issue looks at Space Force, the newest branch of the U.S. armed services, America by Air exhibition covering the history of U.S. air travel, and the weirdest objects in the universe.

These are just a few favourites. See our online catalogue One Search for more.

You can access these resources and more onsite at State Library and you can also borrow them to enjoy reading at home. It’s all free with your State Library membership.

Look out for the next blog in this series #OurFavouriteJournals