New 'Classic' Aircraft Illustrated

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Fromage
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Re: New 'Classic' Aircraft Illustrated

Post by Fromage »

PhilW wrote:
zigzag wrote: - so I saw where his bias lays, putting 2+2 together I would say that he is one of the driving forces behind the change.


Pretty sure that its market forces/research that are behind the change, and he owes it to his employees and crediters to keep the magazine as successful as possible - especially with the 'net making a dent in the market.


How can it be market forces? Whatever suggests that there is a need for yet another magazine dealing with historic aviation? We have FlyPast, Aeroplane and now Aircraft.

As many have already said, Aircraft Illustrated had its own, clearly defined niche and, while the comments here may not necessarily reflect the whole picture as regards its readers, the vast majority have not been in support of this new format - surely that says something very meaningful about 'market forces'?

We want our mag back.
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AlexC
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Re: New 'Classic' Aircraft Illustrated

Post by AlexC »

Seems strange to me that after 76 posts we've only had that one early comment from Ben, after all it's supposed to be 'UK Airshow Review in association with Aircraft Illustrated'.
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vtwo
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Re: New 'Classic' Aircraft Illustrated

Post by vtwo »

I’ve got to admit that the airshow section is second to none in magazine terms and this months issue does have a major spread on John Farley, one of my all time aviation heroes. I can get all of the airshow calendars, previews and reviews on the internet at much higher detail and quality though.

There is too much missing in the new issue and at the moment I am firmly in the category of giving it a go for the next couple of months before I give up on it all together.

Tony.

Concorde216
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Re: New 'Classic' Aircraft Illustrated

Post by Concorde216 »

Hi all

I am new to the forum even though I have read posts on here for a while, so first of all, hello to everyone!

I wish this post was going to to be a positive one but I'm sorry to say that it is not so. I have been a devoted AI reader for atleast 15 years. Last year I was given a subscription for 1 year as a Christmas gift which was great. However, I am hugely dissappointed with the new "Aircraft" magazine. I do feel as if I am being cheated out of my subscription. I was hoping for a year's worth of AI magazines, not six and seven "Aircraft" magazines :mad: May be I should be given a refund for the lost issues for the remainder of the year :question:

AI did the job - it covered areas of aviation giving each area its own space. The articles are or were great, reflecting both modern and past times. The photographs remain exellent. However, imagine my suprise when I wanted to read about the Paris Airshow in "Aircraft", only to find that just two pages were filled about the display and nothing about the gossip at the show as use to be the case before. The modern news reports are a joke...a small footer section with a few small notes about the latest in civil and military news....compared to, two to three pages before. I always looked forward to hearing about the latest news of airlines and airliners and air forces and their equipment but now there is none of it. I cannot justify buying two or maybe even three magazines to find out the latest civil, military and preservation news...perhaps the new "Aircraft" should have thought about that before killing AI which was the all-rounder for me. That is what I bought the magazine for!

Well, when the subscription ends, I will not be renewing it and I wont be subscribing to any of the other magazines, they just don't do what AI did. I will just have to go without....until someone brings AI back. If it ain't broke, don't fix it AND don't try to "improve" it to the point where its a shadow of its former self.

Lambourne
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Re: New 'Classic' Aircraft Illustrated

Post by Lambourne »

Glad I'm not the only one who feels cheated out of their subs money. Well, I want the rest of mine back.

I was told it would be sent and I'm going to wait for 2 weeks and then if it doesn't arrive I will write formally and then if it doesn't turn up I will consider small claims action. Like I said previously, this is a major change, not a facelift, it's not what I paid for. I'd urge all those who feel strongly about this to write to the publishers especially as the sound of silence from Ben is deafening on this forum.

michael
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Re: New 'Classic' Aircraft Illustrated

Post by michael »

Hi Everyone,
I'm new to the site too, and like most other comments am not happy about the changes with Aircraft (as they would like us to call it now). I have to admit though I don't always buy it every month. I will see what's in the newsagents and pick up one (sometimes two) mags dependent on content and available funds. I always look at Flypast or Aeroplane and feel that Aircraft is just another in this vain now. I really liked the mix it had and personally will be turning to Aviation News for my fix! I'll be fair though and flick through Aircraft just to see if they come up with anything interesting, but honestly I don't quite understand why they felt they had to change?

Lambourne
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Re: New 'Classic' Aircraft Illustrated

Post by Lambourne »

With ref to my previous posts, I'm pleased to say Ian Allan have now refunded the remainder of my subscription and they are to be applauded for that.

All that's left to say now is, 'goodbye' from me and thanks Aircraft Illustrated for giving me over 30 years of great aviation reading......I shall miss you, RIP.

Concorde216
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Re: New 'Classic' Aircraft Illustrated

Post by Concorde216 »

Just wondering when Ben will put in an appearance on this thread to explain why he thought it was necessary to ditch AI and start losing loyal readers.

Bring back AI!....Please?!

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Wingnutt
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Re: New 'Classic' Aircraft Illustrated

Post by Wingnutt »

I find the new-style Aircraft an excellent magazine with consistently interesting and high-quality articles. It is probably the first issue I have read without skipping at least one of the main articles – I’m just not that interested in airline trip reports or in airports.

But on the other hand I also want to read the latest modern military news, and even if I don’t read all the airline news I like to be able to skim through it and get an idea of what’s going on. That’s why I started buying AI thirty-five years ago – for the complete mix of aviation coverage – and that’s why I haven’t missed a single issue in all that time. I subscribe to FlyPast for the more in-depth treatment of historic aviation, and have done since it was first published. I think that if I were new to the market I might well prefer Aircraft over FlyPast or Aeroplane Monthly, but seeing as it is the former that is now forcing me to buy an additional magazine for modern military coverage, I will be sticking with FlyPast.

I’m sure that these editorial decisions have not been made lightly and that market research has been done (I’ve filled in the surveys, but the opinions I expressed must have been in a minority). Maybe it will turn out to have been a mistake and we will see a return to the old-style magazine. I’ll leave my current subscription continue for a little longer but unless the magazine reverts to its old self, I will not be renewing
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Fromage
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Re: New 'Classic' Aircraft Illustrated

Post by Fromage »

Guys,

I doubt that such a major change was actually solely (or even partly) down to the editor. I'm sure the decision will have been made somewhat higher up.

When Ben adds his comments it might be good to remember that.

Hopefully someone at Ian Allan is taking note!
A closed mouth gathers no feet.

Concorde216
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Re: New 'Classic' Aircraft Illustrated

Post by Concorde216 »

That maybe, however, I just cannot understand why, after 40 years they have decided to radically change the magazine's format. When I got my last copy of AI with the accompaning letter, I was under the impression that the magazine would be continuing the current AI format and will add additional features. Well, it is not anything like I thought it would be, because to me it is worse.

Ian Allan have until the end of December to convince me to stay with the new magazine. Sorry, but that is how I feel about it.

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Re: New 'Classic' Aircraft Illustrated

Post by Nick NZ »

Since nobody seems to be standing up and declaring 'Mea Culpa' Ben has to take the blame.
The new look Aircraft Illustrated is a shocker.
You have to question the logic behind the changes, and the only one I can see, is delegating all current military news to Combat Aircraft. Due to financial constraints after 3 years of subscribing to 'CA', I could no longer afford to subscribe.
'AI" was still there, though I wondered why they started to refer to it as "Aircraft".
Now we know why, because they have decided to take the magazine "in a new direction", that taken by numerous other previously magazines mentioned by others.
Like politicians, nobody is going to stand up and admit they don't know what they are doing. So, suffer a magazine that is of no interest, or stop buying. I will do the latter, though I subscribe, and reading earlier comments see that Ian Allan are refunding subscriptions, so I will be writing and asking for my money back.
AI had a unique niche. What on earth made these bozzos think they were improving the product, or entering a new market.
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Re: New 'Classic' Aircraft Illustrated

Post by skippyscage »

Well I like it.

It blows Flypast (lost its way) and Aeroplane out of the water, so there obviously was a gap in the market there.

I must admit I used to blow past at least half of the old AI articles but now it's taken a turn for better quality IMO.

Bigger and better quaility is what I see, but then again I didn't really care what airline was buying what aircraft or who has new colours - leave that to the airliner focused magazines.

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Re: New 'Classic' Aircraft Illustrated

Post by Pen Pusher »

I have just received my copy of the model magazine, 'Military Aircraft Monthly'. Last month it was called 'Model Aircraft Monthly' but I haven't read about any modelers throwing their toys out of the pram at the change. :biggrin:

I like the new AI as I always skipped over the airline stuff any way as I have no interest in them.

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Re: New 'Classic' Aircraft Illustrated

Post by MarkL »

skippyscage wrote:Well I like it.

It blows Flypast (lost its way) and Aeroplane out of the water, so there obviously was a gap in the market there.

I must admit I used to blow past at least half of the old AI articles but now it's taken a turn for better quality IMO.

Bigger and better quaility is what I see, but then again I didn't really care what airline was buying what aircraft or who has new colours - leave that to the airliner focused magazines.



Surely you're missing the point. AI WAS a one stop mag for all areas of aviation....that was the thing most of us liked about it. If you personally didn't like some of the sections, why did you bother buying it instead of the specialised mags which would have catered more directly to your taste ?



Mark
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Re: New 'Classic' Aircraft Illustrated

Post by PeterR »

Mark Lindley wrote:AI WAS a one stop mag for all areas of aviation....that was the thing most of us liked about it.


Thats correct, and now other magazine has the same high quality coverage of civil, military and old aircraft all in one well written magazine!

RIP Aircraft Illustrated :sad:

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Re: New 'Classic' Aircraft Illustrated

Post by skippyscage »

Mark Lindley wrote:
skippyscage wrote:Well I like it.

It blows Flypast (lost its way) and Aeroplane out of the water, so there obviously was a gap in the market there.

I must admit I used to blow past at least half of the old AI articles but now it's taken a turn for better quality IMO.

Bigger and better quaility is what I see, but then again I didn't really care what airline was buying what aircraft or who has new colours - leave that to the airliner focused magazines.



Surely you're missing the point. AI WAS a one stop mag for all areas of aviation....that was the thing most of us liked about it. If you personally didn't like some of the sections, why did you bother buying it instead of the specialised mags which would have catered more directly to your taste ?

Mark


because the other mags ere crap at what they do - no point missed at all

Ben Dunnell
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Re: New 'Classic' Aircraft Illustrated

Post by Ben Dunnell »

Firstly, my sincere apologies for not having provided another response sooner. Since the new magazine came out, I have been exceptionally busy, what with RIAT and then a week in the office (on my own due to holidays) finishing off the September issue.

It’s obviously not possible for me to deal with every single point, as there are some things I don’t really feel I can discuss for commercial reasons, but hopefully I’ll be able to address some of the major issues in general terms.

In brief, the aviation magazine market has changed substantially in recent years, and not necessarily to the benefit of a more ‘general’ title such as Aircraft Illustrated. This may surprise those of us (and I include myself in this — my own interests, far from being directed at the historical end of the spectrum, cover all forms of aviation past and present) whose aviation interests are wide-ranging, but this is the reality of the situation. Therefore, and following the results of the market research conducted earlier this year, the decision was taken to give AI a more specific focus, namely on historical topics, although still keeping the mix of military and civil, and to some extent the mix of old and new by containing some features with a modern element. The Airbus article in the August issue was one such; going further down this road, a feature looking at the ‘Normandie-Niemen’ squadron both at war and in the present day prior to its disbandment earlier this month is contained in the September issue, and there will be plenty more along such lines. In each case, the present-day element will not simply be a sentence or two at the end, but rather more detailed. And the airshow coverage is the same as it has always been, except in greater quantity.

I can certainly understand the disappointment felt in some quarters regarding the changes to the magazine, but can assure you that they have been made on the basis of a close analysis of the market, rather than on any sudden whim — and, furthermore, I cannot stress enough that, nowadays, such a decision is never driven or taken by one person alone. A whole range of people are involved in the process of making a change, and not just within the publishing company, let alone just the editorial team.

There will also, I hope, be items to interest those whose interests lie at the more modern end of the spectrum, albeit maybe in a rather different style to what has gone before. We will, for instance, be covering such subjects in due course as the first flight of the Boeing 787, the stand-up of No 6 Squadron on the Typhoon and the RAF in Afghanistan, but in our own style, which I hope will be of interest in terms of offering a varied perspective on current events. A big part of our thinking in relation to the revamped magazine is that it should offer something different when compared with other titles, hence articles like those I have mentioned, our slightly later historical focus, and the ‘Air Display’ section, the scope of which will increase over time. Some articles will inevitably be on similar themes to what you see elsewhere, but this is always an occupational hazard in the magazine business and will ever be so.

Finally, should anyone still be having any problems related to subscriptions, do pursue the matter with the subscriptions department, but let me know by e-mail to the editorial address if any difficulties continue.

Best wishes to all, and thanks for the comments, whether critical or not.

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Re: New 'Classic' Aircraft Illustrated

Post by Fromage »

Ben,

Firstly I think you deserve our respect for 'fronting up' on the forum about the issues raised and for being so honest. We may not all like the way the new magazine has gone but my hope would be that people can avoid the puerile throwing of insults that sometimes happens when discussions of this sort take place and to date that road has been avoided methinks!! :clap:

Secondly, I wonder if some sort of compromise can be reached? It's clear that there is still a strong desire from many readers to have the modern civil and military aviation news content so could the good folks at Ian Allan at least give some thought to including this in one place rather than the haphazard (and in my personal opinion irritating) way in which this appeared first new issue? Surely anything new needs tweaking before it works correctly? If you agree then you have a clear means by which to respond to some of the comments on here and hopefully stem the series of current subscribers on this forum who appear to be about to vote with their feet.

Although the 'Illustrated' part of the title has gone, I doubt whether the magazine will lose the quality of the imagery it depicts at the expense of the inclusion of more historical content? Can you give any comment on this?

I look forward to continued sensible debate!
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Re: New 'Classic' Aircraft Illustrated

Post by PeterR »

Fromage wrote:Secondly, I wonder if some sort of compromise can be reached? It's clear that there is still a strong desire from many readers to have the modern civil and military aviation news content so could the good folks at Ian Allan at least give some thought to including this in one place rather than the haphazard (and in my personal opinion irritating) way in which this appeared first new issue?



I think about 4 pages of modern news (civil and military) every month would keep people happy along with some modern srticles. :smile:

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Re: New 'Classic' Aircraft Illustrated

Post by zigzag »

Jumbojet380 wrote:I think about 4 pages of modern news (civil and military) every month would keep people happy along with some modern srticles. :smile:


Which is just about what the 'old' magazine was :biggrin:
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Re: New 'Classic' Aircraft Illustrated

Post by microlight »

I've read Aircraft Illustrated for more than 25+ years , never missed an issue.

Sadly I dont like the new "Classic Aircraft" , in my opinion given this month's content and layout its lost the plot. Sorry but I'll retain my subscription to Aviation News as well as thats the spread of info and articles I like - have to say the standard of photography in AI is the best compared to AN , but Classic Aircraft doesn't quite hit the spot given the first offering.

To me AI was in a top niche market but now its in the mainstream - down a peg. What the publisher needs to consider is that those folks who subsrcibed to the old format in advance did because the old format is what they wanted and expected to receive.

What you have to watch out for is all the mags running similar or the same articles on the same subjects - ludicrous

And hey I bought Aviation News when it was a paper - and thats in its heyday when sorry to say it was better than today ...... some of its printing standards today are crap but the content is varied.
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zigzag
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Re: New 'Classic' Aircraft Illustrated

Post by zigzag »

Ben, well done for putting in another appearance and trying to set us all straight on the facts, its always nice to hear the rationale from the horses mouth, especially when the majority of comments have been critical..

Maybe this is confidential, but was the market research that you refer to the questionaire that was sent out earlier in the year?

I hope that more was done than this, firstly for the resounding thumbs down from the majority of Ukarians who have posted on this thread, and secondly because experience would say that
a) not many folks respond to such a questionnaire such as this
b) respondendants tend to be those who are disaffected, not the silent happy majority
c) I suspect that if it was stated that the magazine would take a totally diferent turn on the basis of fedback then more people would have responded knowing what was at stake. I would have.

As ive said before the new mag doesnt work for me, and thankfully Ive only got one issue left on my subscription which isnt going to be renewed after 15 years or so of loyal readership. Shame.
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Re: New 'Classic' Aircraft Illustrated

Post by SEMAE »

I think the reasons put forward by Ben Dunnell are very reasonable and it is understandable why he cannot go in to more details for making the change.

I have no doubt the magazine may lose some readers but may well gain others when aviation interested people scan the magazine rack in a shop, perhaps even at the expense of other magazines in the same segment of the market. In order to catch those other readers it is still trying to be different to them. This will be interesting.

I would think the questionnaire in earlier issue of AI may have had something to doing with the change in direction but probably not the only one.

I also think that the magazine has a much wider forum in the market than the number people who post on UKAR or any other forum. It is the reader 'forum' in the market place in the end that will matter the most.

I do not have a subscription for any magazine. I usually purchase two other magazines as well as AI. I also liked AI for what it was so it came as a shock to me that the most recent issue is so different. However, I can see that in its new guise it is still every much as good. It is just different to what it was.

Good luck.

Martin

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Re: New 'Classic' Aircraft Illustrated

Post by binbrook87 »

Having been a regular AI reader for over 20 years I was shocked to find that my beloved AI had morfed into something different on the magazine rack of the local newsagent. Having NOT been aware of the forethcoming changes it came of something of a nasty suprise!!

Nevertheless after looking beyond the cosmetic changes I took the plunge and actually found it to be a solid read. My interest being mainly post war military and so it ticked some of my boxes adequately. I also like the revised Airshow section.

What I didnt like was the dropping of the 'current' news section which was always my first port of call - please can we have this back if only contained within a dozen pages or so? Also now in order to get a snapshot of the MODERN Military world I will have to resort to buying a 2nd mag - Combat Aircraft !! (unless that was the Publishers' plan !?!?!?!)

I felt one of the strong points of AI - was that it provided a snapshot and combined all sections of aviation areas well (civil, military, past, present), something that other mags failed to do as competently. Now, in trying to concentrate on the interests of a few (myself included) I think it will alienate a great number of all round aviation fans who liked it for its 'general-ness'. After all, it is sometimes refreshing to read beyond your own comfort zone and learn about other areas of interest.

I think another problem is the title 'CLASSIC', which misleads people and may even prevent some from even picking it up in the first place (almost myself originally!), and with any 'Classic' title it then starts to tread on the 'Flypast / Aeroplane' patch somewhat. Also i :confused: n having an Airshow section which contains 'modern' aircraft this seems to confuse the 'Classic' theme even more.

I think just leaving it as 'Aircraft Illustrated' or just plain 'Aircraft' would have sufficed, does it really NEED to explain itself - surely the AIRCRAFT title and the content would do that?

I thouroughly enjoyed the read but have a few misgivings on its direction or lack thereof ????

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