Paul Beaver is an aviation journalist and author recognisable from both radio and TV, as well as a pilot. Paul was a special advisor to the UK Defence Committee and has recently written a book called ‘Spitfire People’. We talk to Paul about everything from the UK Defence Spending Review to flying the Spitfire.

In this ‘Xtra’ episode we learn about the Westland Whirlwind restoration project and meet up with aviation photographer and museum volunteer Jo Ayres. We review the latest book on the Hawker Hurricane and find out about Neil McCarthy’s newest project – The Flight Sim Centre.

We welcome back Rowland White to talk about his latest book to be published in March 2016. ‘Into The Black’ is the story of the first flight of the Space Shuttle, the hidden safety issues and the use of spy technology in addressing them.

In this Xtra episode we talk space news, space exploration and look forward to the trip to the ISS in December 2015 by UK astronaut Major Tim Peake.