Orville Wright's achievement of flying a powered aircraft for the first time in 1903 was the fulfilment of man's dream of taking to the skies. In this fascinating film we chart the rapid progress of the aeroplane from a contraption that could barely carry the weight of a man over a few hundred yards to a sleek machine capable of spanning the globe at supersonic speed. The programme features beautifully filmed, original colour footage of restored aircraft from different decades. The experience of flight is enhanced by the use of on-board mini cameras and interviews with pilots together with high Quality archive footage which captures the atmosphere of the period. We also get an insight into the development of engines from props to jets and the aerodynamics that enabled aircraft to fly progressively further end higher culminating in man taking his first steps on the Moon. Development was further accelerated by two world wars where aircraft became decisive weapons with some of the most important battles being fought out in the skies. Finally, the programme shows how in peacetime the aeroplane has opened up the world of foreign travel to both business people and holiday makers.
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