Brits took more flights than ever before in 2016 and with air travel increasing there is now a worldwide shortage of pilots and easyJet has launched its largest-ever recruitment drive, including a focus on encouraging more women to apply. This documentary following new recruits for airline easyJet as they train to become fully qualified pilots, going inside the cockpit and tracking the candidates from the classroom to the simulator, and eventually to their first flight with hundreds of paying passengers. Stephen Fry narrates.
The documentary tracing the progress of trainee pilots continues, heading to Paris for an introduction to 20-year-old newly qualified airman Ryan Clyde, who faces the daunting prospect of conducting his first landing, in the dark, with passengers on board. Meanwhile, back in the UK, cadet Sophie learns how to deal with G-forces, and the training captains prepare to head to France to show off their experience to seven rookies.
Meeting the pilots who have to battle with delays, deal with a sick passenger and negotiate landing at one of the world's most challenging airports in the heart of the Alps. Captain Emma Henderson faces technical breakdowns and severe turbulence.
We meet the pilots who have to trouble-shoot a cockpit warning light mid-flight and witness rare meteorological displays at 35-thousand feet. We will also meet the cadets who will take to the skies for the first time with paying passengers.
We meet the pilots flying out of two of easyJet's regional bases: Manchester and Newcastle and we join Senior First Officer Iris De Kan on her mission to become a Captain. First Officer Ajit and Captain Steve have four short domestic flights.
