The Aviators(2010–2020)

Aviation 101

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.

ATC Gibberish

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.

$100 Hamburger

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.

Private Pilot / Miramar

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.

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

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.

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

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.

Aopa Summit

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?

Remote Control Aircraft

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.

Dream Flight / Joe Nall / Aeroshell Aerobatic

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.

Aircraft Ownership

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?

Aircraft Engines

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.

AOPA / LAPD / Pete McLeod

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.

One of the biggest airshows on Earth

AirVenture: America's largest aviation celebration, The US Air Force's C5M Supergalaxy, The Tiger Moth bi-plane, Miracle on the Hudson hero Jeff Skiles, Flat spin survivor.

Newest and coolest affordable helicopters

Chartright corporate charters, Cross Canada Century Flight, Julie Clark, Affordable Helicopters.

How to land an Airliner

Legacy of the Cessna brand, Float plane training, How to land an airliner, Aerobatic champion Patty Wagstaff, Russian MiG 15.

Sun N' Fun Florida

Sun 'n Fun fly-in special from Lakeland, FL.

The Airbus A380

Can a private pilot land an airliner?, Delfin L-29 fighter jet, Aircraft annual inspection, Airbus A380.

Light-Sport Aviation

Can a non-pilot land an airliner?, Zaon collision avoidance, Women in Aviation, Light sport aviation.

Air Traffic Control Towers

Air Traffic Control Tower, Walkaround checks, Quesnel air show, Pilot profile: John Lovelace.

Building Your Own Aircraft & Learning About Life Saving Backup Instruments

Aerobatic pilot Rick Volker, Homebuilt industry, Cessna Caravan, Mid-Continent instruments.

Air Traffic Control Centre

Air Traffic Control: En route control, Boundary Bay air show, Beech Staggerwing, Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA).

Ultra-Light Aviation & Airfract Auctions

Aircraft auction, Ultralight flying, Aviation destination: Wichita, Kansas.

Onboard the Goodyear Blimp

Mikey McBryan of TV's 'Ice Pilots', Goodyear blimp, Midnight Sun Challenge into the Yukon.

Life of a Boeing 737 Pilot & All About Airlines

A day in the life of an airline pilot, Airline environmentalism, Airliner maintenance.

WWII Pilot Training T-6 Texan

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

WWII Pilot Training P-51 Mustang

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

FLS Microjet, SR-71, Sean D. Tucker

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.

Zenith 801, Legacy Flight, ILS Testing

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.

Float Planes, Buying an Aircraft, Aircraft Boneyard

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.

Civil Air Patrol, AWACS, B-17

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.

Radial Engines, Aerial Refueling

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.

Cobra, Team AeroDynamix, Tank Killer

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.

Landings, Seabee, Varied Aviation Training

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.

GlasAir, Legend Cub, Terminals

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.

Savannah, Huey, Formation Flying

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.

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

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.

Aircraft Mods, Soaring

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.

F-4U Corsair, Aerobatics

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?

A pilot without arms, Aircraft profile – Pitts Special

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.

L-39 and Upset recovery

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.

Flying again, Aircraft profile – Aviat Husky

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.

Space flight

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

Anatomy of a journey, Ground control

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!

WWI aviation

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.

Eclipse 550, Should you turn back to the airport?

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.

It’s the Franken-glider, Tuskegee airmen

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.

Skytyping, Personal jet

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!

The Best Of The Aviators

Highlights from previous seasons and bloopers.

Deconstructing An Air Show Routine, Flight Attendant School (Part 1)

Sean D. Tucker's air show routine and an introduction to the job of a flight attendant.

Flight Attendant School (Part 2), Hangar Flying – Fighters

Flight safety senerios and a favorite fighter aircraft debate.

Jet Man, Volunteerism

Jetman and aircraft volunteer organizations.

World War II Advancements In Aviation, Pearl Harbor / Tora, Tora, Tora

WWII Advancements in Aviation and Peral Harbor air show reenactment.

Air Show Pyrotechnics, Hangar Flying – Bombers

Air show pyrotechnics and favorite bomber plane debate.

100 Years Of Commercial Flight

A look at commercial aviation over 100 years.

Epic Aircraft, Jet Truck

Aircraft Tires, World’s Highest Control Tower, Maintenance

Air Show Radio Chatter, Hangar Flying – General Aviation

Challenger 605, Navigation

Bell 407 Helicopter, Wing-Walking

Air Navigation Systems, Ultralights

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!

Paragliding, Applied Aerodynamics

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.

Air Rally 1

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

Air Rally 2

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!

Pipistrel Sinus

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.

Milestones/RVing Pilots

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. Legendary Motley Crue frontman Vince Neil makes his return to the show. 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.

Cessnas: 172 & 340

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.

Record-breaking Flyer

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.

Pro Drones

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.

Myers/Twin Commander

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.