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All Seasons

Season 1

Season 2

  • S02E01 Aviation 101

    • September 12, 2011
    • PBS

    Aviation 101: An explanation of some of the very basics of aviation. Host profiles: A closer look at some of the hosts of The Aviators including Sara, Kurtis, Anthony, and new host, country music singer George Canyon.

  • S02E02 ATC Gibberish

    • September 19, 2011
    • PBS

    ATC gibberish: Breaking down and simplifying all that complex sounding radio chatter. Water egress: Sara learns how to escape from a submerged aircraft. Condor Squadron: Taking to the air with a team of formation pilots flying WW2 era planes.

  • S02E03 $100 Hamburger

    • September 26, 2011
    • PBS

    Can a kid land an airliner?: A follow up to some of the popular sim segments from season one, but this time with a 12 year old at the controls! Flight services: Kurtis shows us the many important functions of this often overlooked aspect of Air Traffic Control services. $100 hamburger: A pilot expression for an aviation food-run. Anthony and Raeleen dig in at Greenville, SC.

  • S02E04 Private Pilot / Miramar

    • October 3, 2011
    • PBS

    Private pilot emergency: Anthony closes the season 2 sim segments by having everything but the kitchen sink thrown at him. Can he do it? MCAS Miramar (formerly Top Gun): Spending the day with US Marine fighter pilots at their legendary base.

  • S02E05 Day in the Life of an Air Show, Pt. 1

    • October 10, 2011
    • PBS

    Day in the life of an air show (Part 1 of 2): We take you behind the scenes for an exclusive look at the inner workings of one of America’s biggest air shows.

  • S02E06 Day in the Life of an Air Show, Pt. 2

    • October 17, 2011
    • PBS

    Day in the life of an air show (Part 2 of 2): We take you behind the scenes for an exclusive look at the inner workings of one of America’s biggest air shows.

  • S02E07 Aopa Summit

    • October 24, 2011
    • PBS

    Antonov AN-2: We take you flying in this classic Russian workhorse. iPad in the cockpit: Anthony gets hands-on with the revolutionary tablet device to show some of the most popular aviation tools available. Boeing Dreamliner/Pilot Shortage: A look at the future of commercial aviation…but who will be there to fly these things?

  • S02E08 Remote Control Aircraft

    • October 31, 2011
    • PBS

    Triple Tree Aerodrome: A look at one of the most meticulously maintained grass runways anywhere at what we discovered to be a pure haven for lovers of aviation and the outdoors. Blue Angels’ Fat Albert: All aboard Fat Albert Airlines, the Blue Angels’ incredible USMC C130T. Yak 52W: Sara meets Peyton McCool and literally takes a spin in his Soviet-era trainer.

  • S02E09 Dream Flight / Joe Nall / Aeroshell Aerobatic

    • November 7, 2011
    • PBS

    Dream flight of a lifetime: Twenty pilots attend a T33 Silverstar ground school but only one will win a chance to actually fly it. Aeroshell Aerobatic Team: Raeleen goes flying with these rock stars of the air show circuit. Remote control aircraft: We visit the Joe Nall event, the “Oshkosh” of RC flying.

  • S02E10 Aircraft Ownership

    • November 14, 2011
    • PBS

    Aircraft ownership: Kurtis exploring the varied costs and entry points of flying for everyone from the weekend warrior to the rich and famous. Airpark living: When your driveway is a runway, life is good… and as airparks go, this place is Heavenly! Singles vs Twins: Are two engines really better than one?

  • S02E11 Aircraft Engines

    • November 21, 2011
    • PBS

    Aircraft engines: Kurtis learns about aircraft power plants from Penn Yan Aero’s Bill Middlebrook, whose family has a long and rich history in American aviation. Buying a used aircraft: Anthony shows that buying The Aviators’ new 210 can be just as simple as buying a used car. And accessorizing it can be just as fun. Most female friendly airport: Raeleen celebrates women in aviation at the most female friendly airport in the world.

  • S02E12 AOPA / LAPD / Pete McLeod

    • November 28, 2011
    • PBS

    AOPA Summit: The annual event of the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association. LAPD: We take you inside the aerial unit of the Los Angeles Police Department to see how the world’s largest police fleet helps to catch bad guys. Red Bull Air Racer Pete McLeod: Jeff talks to the Red Bull Air Racer about life as a high-adrenalin, competitive flyer.

  • S02E13 Cessna 195 / World's Busiest Tower / Aviation Camping

    • December 5, 2011
    • PBS

    Cessna 195: Kurtis takes us up in the aircraft that’s a crowd favorite wherever it he takes it. Aviation Camping: We spend some time with an ever-growing group of people who use their planes as campers. World’s Busiest Tower: For one week a year the tower at Oshkosh’s Wittman Regional Airport becomes the busiest on the planet.

Season 3

  • S03E01 WWII Pilot Training T-6 Texan

    • September 17, 2012
    • PBS

    Rob Reider, Air show announcer; Aircraft panel makeover; WWII pilot training: T-6 Texan

  • S03E02 WWII Pilot Training P-51 Mustang

    • September 24, 2012
    • PBS

    Journey of a bag, Airline baggage handling; WWII pilot training: P-51 Mustang

  • S03E03 Black Diamond Jet Team

    • October 1, 2012
    • PBS

    Winter flying; Boeing 787 Dreamliner; Black Diamond Jet Team - Civilian jet demonstration team

  • S03E04 U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds

    • October 8, 2012
    • PBS

    Night time flying; Fairchild PT-19; United States Air Force Thunderbirds

  • S03E05 B-29 Fifi

    • October 15, 2012
    • PBS

    Guardian angels - ATC helps our pilots out of an emergency situation; USAF Thunderbird for a day; B-29 Superfortress - Fifi

  • S03E06 Anatomy of a Commercial Flight

    • October 22, 2012
    • PBS

    Oxygen deprivation lab; Anatomy of a commercial flight - Behind the cockpit door

  • S03E07 Very Light Jets

    • October 29, 2012
    • PBS

    T-28 Trojan; Naval commemoration of the War of 1812; Very Light Jets (VLJs)

  • S03E08 Aviation Career Choices

    • November 5, 2012
    • PBS

    DC-3 turbo conversions; Aviation careers - You can become more than just an airline pilot

  • S03E09 Aerostars

    • November 12, 2012
    • PBS

    Start-up and run-up - Before-flying to-do's; Weather makers; Aerostars Aerobatic Team

  • S03E10 Balloons

    • November 19, 2012
    • PBS

    John Mohr, Barnstormer; T-45 Goshawk; Balloons

  • S03E11 Road America Fly Over

    • November 26, 2012
    • PBS

    TH-57 Ranger; Mitsubishi MU-2; Road America flyover - The Air National Guard adds a real punch to the end of the anthem

  • S03E12 Learning to Fly: Rock Star Edition

    • December 3, 2012
    • PBS

    F-22 Raptor; Light Sport Aircraft (LSA); Learning to fly - Rock star edition (Part 1) - Vince Neil of iconic heavy metal band Motley Crue begins his flight training

  • S03E13 Skytypers

    • December 10, 2012
    • PBS

    Learning to fly - Rock star edition (Part 2) - Vince's instructor surprises him by unexpectedly calling for his first landing; Civilian aerial dogfighting; Skytypers

Season 4

  • S04E01 FLS Microjet, SR-71, Sean D. Tucker

    • September 17, 2013
    • PBS

    FLS Microjet: This spunky little jet weighs in at a mere 400 pounds! We profile this incredible (and tiny) aircraft and its full-sized pilot. SR-71: Blackbird pilot Terry Pappas tells us what its like to be one of just 478 people who have flown this stealthy Strategic Reconnaissance aircraft. Sean D. Tucker: We get to know the man behind the famous red Oracle plane and watch his death-defying aerobatics up close.

  • S04E02 Zenith 801, Legacy Flight, ILS Testing

    • September 24, 2013
    • PBS

    Zenith 801: No runway? No problem! We challenge the limits faced in the world of bush flying in this amazing utilitarian aircraft. Legacy Flight: A tribute to our flying heroes, past and present. ILS Testing: The Instrument Landing System (ILS) is a precise system used to help planes land almost blind. We do some extreme flying in a CRJ-200 to test the system.

  • S04E03 Float Planes, Buying an Aircraft, Aircraft Boneyard

    • October 1, 2013
    • PBS

    Float Planes: An introduction to the world of seaplanes. Buying an Aircraft: Ever wondered how to actually buy an airplane? Aircraft Boneyard: With over 4,200 aircraft, sure the 309th Aerospace Maintenance and Regeneration Group (AMARG) is a “Boneyard” but it’s also so much more.

  • S04E04 Civil Air Patrol, AWACS, B-17

    • October 8, 2013
    • PBS

    Civil Air Patrol: We participate in a search and rescue exercise with CAP members and cadets. AWACS: We take an exclusive inside look at the Air Force’s eyes in the skies: the Airborne Warning and Control System (AWACS) E-3 Sentry. B-17: Kurtis looks at the historic Boeing B-17 Flying Fortress.

  • S04E05 Radial Engines, Aerial Refueling

    • October 15, 2013
    • PBS

    Radial Engines: Anthony learns about the one-of a-kind sound and look of radial engines. Aerial Refueling: In-air refueling brings new meaning to the term “close flight” as we profile the KC-135 Stratotanker and its crew.

  • S04E06 Cobra, Team AeroDynamix, Tank Killer

    • October 22, 2013
    • PBS

    Cobra: We take you aboard this two-bladed single engine attack helicopter formerly used by the United States Army. Team AeroDynamix: No other air show act in the world puts as many aircraft in the air at one time than Team AeroDynamix. We take you flying with them. Tank Killer: We profile the A-10 Thunderbolt II, the tank-killer more commonly known as the Warthog.

  • S04E07 Landings, Seabee, Varied Aviation Training

    • October 29, 2013
    • PBS

    Landings: Takeoffs are optional, but landings are mandatory! Kurtis takes a look at how to land different types of aircraft. Seabee: Is it a boat or is it a plane? It’s both! We show you the exciting world of Seabees. Varied Aviation Training: Short or long runways. Controlled or uncontrolled airports. Desert, mountain, or coastal flying. We look at the various ways and places you can learn to fly.

  • S04E08 GlasAir, Legend Cub, Terminals

    • November 5, 2013
    • PBS

    GlasAir: We go flying in this blazingly fast low-wing, two-seat homebuilt aircraft. Legend Cub: The Cub is an aviators’ favorite and the Legend Cub is today’s most popular American-manufactured light sport aircraft. Terminals: How are airport terminals designed? We check out the form and function of terminals from the design of the arrivals and departures areas to how the gates arranged to park aircraft.

  • S04E09 Savannah, Huey, Formation Flying

    • November 12, 2013
    • PBS

    Savannah: We profile this capable and affordable light sport homebuilt aircraft. Huey: A lot of people may recognize this helicopter from the film “Apocalypse Now”, but this bird has a lot more history than just that. Formation Flying: Kurtis expands his warbird flying experience and tries his hand at formation flying.

  • S04E10 How to Fly an ILS Approach, Airplane Parachutes, 777-300ER

    • November 19, 2013
    • PBS

    How to Fly an ILS Approach: Kurtis shows you how to land an aircraft when you can’t see the ground using only your flight instruments. Airplane Parachutes: Can a parachute strapped to the back of an aircraft really save the lives of it passengers? 777-300ER: We examine the history and showcase the latest variant of the Boeing 777.

  • S04E11 Aircraft Mods, Soaring

    • November 26, 2013
    • PBS

    Aircraft Mods: A look at how aerodynamic tweaks can improve performance and increase speed. Soaring: Anthony tries to keep his cool while flying without the reassuring sound of a roaring engine.

  • S04E12 F-4U Corsair, Aerobatics

    • December 3, 2013
    • PBS

    F-4U Corsair: The WWII fighter made famous by the legendary Greg “Pappy” Boyington. Aerobatics: Kurtis receives an introduction to Aerobatics. We’ve seen him do a lot this season, but can he master this aviation skill?

  • S04E13 Goodyear Blimp

    • December 10, 2013
    • PBS

    Goodyear Blimp: The Goodyear Blimp is an American icon. But Goodyear is at a transformational point in their history as they revamp the fleet to Zeppelins.

Season 5

Season 6

  • S06E01 A pilot without arms, Aircraft profile – Pitts Special

    • October 23, 2015
    • PBS

    A Pilot Without Arms: We meet Jessica Cox, the world’s first armless licensed pilot who has spent her whole life proving that her disability hasn’t limited her. Aircraft Profile – Pitts Special: A profile of the first aircraft designed specifically for aerobatics – the Pitts Special.

  • S06E02 L-39 and Upset recovery

    • October 30, 2015
    • PBS

    L-39 and Upset Recovery: Does it sometimes feel like your airplane has a mind of its own? Well fasten your seatbelts as we go flying in the most prolific fighter jet trainer of the Soviet era in an introduction to unusual attitude and upset recovery training.

  • S06E03 Flying again, Aircraft profile – Aviat Husky

    • November 6, 2015
    • PBS

    Flying Again: We catch up with the Rusty Pilots Initiative as they attempt to re-ignite every pilot’s fire by helping former flyers in their return to the sky. Aircraft Profile – Aviat Husky: Meet the proud owner of the dynamic Aviat Husky utility aircraft.

  • S06E04 Space flight

    • November 13, 2015
    • PBS

    Space Flight: A look at the history of NASA and the space program through the decades spanning from WWII through to the Mercury, Gemini, Apollo, and Space Shuttle programs. Category Entertainment

  • S06E05 Anatomy of a journey, Ground control

    • November 20, 2015
    • PBS

    Anatomy of a Journey / Ground Control: Learn about the complexities of life as a ground controller and listen in on some dialogue between air traffic control and Kurtis as he navigates through both the departure and arrival procedures within an airport. Complicated? Let’s find out!

  • S06E06 WWI aviation

    • November 27, 2015
    • PBS

    WWI Aviation: Soon after the invention of the aircraft, military uses for the new flying machine came into being. Then with the dawn of the Great War, legends like the Red Baron were made, and a whole new mode of warfare was born.

  • S06E07 Eclipse 550, Should you turn back to the airport?

    • December 4, 2015
    • PBS

    Aircraft Profile – Eclipse 550: Introduction to the latest in very light jets (VLJs). It’s like flying your own personal rocket… with custom leather upholstery! Should You Turn Back to the Airport?: In the event of engine failure, your instinct may be to turn back for the runway – a commonly fatal move.

  • S06E08 It’s the Franken-glider, Tuskegee airmen

    • December 11, 2015
    • PBS

    It’s the Franken-Glider! / Tuskegee Airmen: The TG-7A motorgliders are basically a combination of wings from the SGS 1-36, the tail of the SGS 2-32, and a Lycoming O-235-L2C engine on the nose. See it all come together as we meet the Team Tuskegee pilots and explain the history of the Tuskegee Airmen and their trials experienced during WWII.

  • S06E09 Skytyping, Personal jet

    • December 18, 2015
    • PBS

    Skytyping: What is skytyping? See it accomplished with five aircraft flying in impressive formation, emitting biodegradable vapor puffs in a dot matrix pattern to create the world’s largest billboard… in the sky. Personal Jet: The Sonex Jet started as a pet project of founder John Monett who’s always wanted a personal jet, and what developed was a tiny plane with a big impact!

  • S06E10 The beloved Cub

    • December 25, 2015
    • PBS

    The Beloved Cub: By popular demand we’ve tracked down the family of aircraft closest to the hearts of most aviators – the timeless Piper Cub.

Season 7

  • S07E01 Air Navigation Systems, Ultralights

    • November 22, 2017
    • PBS

    We visit Canada’s largest airport to look at the technology that drives air navigation systems. Then we look at one of the most affordable ways to own and enjoy an aircraft – ultralights!

  • S07E02 Paragliding, Applied Aerodynamics

    • November 22, 2017
    • PBS

    Part thrilling, part insanity, paragliding is one way aviation nuts get into the open air using a contraption that fits in the back of your car. Then we look into the science of applied aerodynamics.

  • S07E03 Air Rally 1

    • November 22, 2017
    • PBS

    Air Rally 1 – We accompany dozens of aircraft and pilots as they island hop in the Caribbean during this 2 week aviation odyssey.

  • S07E04 Air Rally 2

    • November 22, 2017
    • PBS

    Air Rally 2 – The Air Rally continues as the group is met as heroes country after country. That is, the ones who actually make it!

  • S07E05 Pipistrel Sinus

    • November 22, 2017
    • PBS

    We visit the world’s most famous aviation university to explore it’s storied history, many milestones, and future developments which include (get ready for it) flying cars! Then we look at arguably the most versatile little aircraft ever made – the Pipistrel Sinus.

  • S07E06 Thunderstorm

    • November 22, 2017
    • PBS

    Anthony flies a simulated Cessna directly into a thunderstorm which would be certain death in real life, but not until he flies a full-motion airliner sim into one – so violent even in a sim that we may have even broken the $20 million unit!

Season 8

  • S08E01 Milestones/RVing Pilots (Feat. Vince Neil of Mötley Crüe)

    • September 8, 2020

    They say “the process of learning to fly makes you better at… everything.” So while the obvious goal seems to be getting a license, there are actually many other little goals you can achieve and benefit from along the way. Then we introduce a new host: a popular RVer who explores the curious overlap of those who long to explore in the air as well as on the road. This episode features the return of Mötley Crüe’s Vince Neil during his flight training journey.

  • S08E02 Cessnas 172 & 340

    • September 8, 2020

    To most people, the name “Cessna” has become synonymous with “small airplane.” And it’s no wonder. The Cessna 172 is the most produced aircraft in history and has almost certainly been flown by nearly every pilot! But there’s definitely more to Cessna – as the much larger and more capable 340 proves.

  • S08E03 Record-breaking Flyer

    • September 8, 2020

    As a person, Matt Guthmiller is a fascinating mix genius, entrepreneur, and adventurer. When getting his pilot’s license at a young age wasn’t enough, he organized and executed an adventure that would make Lindbergh and Earhart proud as he became the youngest person ever to fly solo around the world!

  • S08E04 Can You Be an Air Traffic Controller?/Pro Drones/Magnetics

    • September 8, 2020

    Call them Unmanned Aerial Vehicles, Pilotless Aircraft, Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems, or just plain ‘ol drones, they’re becoming increasingly commonplace and taking on some very important roles in everyday life. Well beyond the realm of toys, there are a number of career paths one can pursue flying them professionally.

  • S08E05 Myers/Twin Commander

    • September 8, 2020

    Bringing back the wonderful Myers aircraft which is as much a marvel of aviation technology today as it was (stunningly) in the 1950s. The Twin Commander is a big and beefy general aviation aircraft that is loved by everyone that gets a chance to fly one.

  • S08E06 Diamond/Mountain Flying/A Look Back

    • September 8, 2020

    How Lifestyle Aviation is working with Diamond Aircraft to make aircraft ownership affordable. Peter learns about the pleasures and dangers of mountain flying. And we look back at the last 5 years of The Aviators.

Additional Specials