Watch Survival in the Skies

Survival in the Skies is an exhilarating documentary TV show that airs on Smithsonian Channel. The show explores the history and evolution of aviation safety measures and details the bravery and ingenuity of pilots, mechanics, and air traffic controllers who work diligently to ensure everyone's safety while in the air.

The series takes viewers on a thrilling journey to the early days of aviation and recounts the calamities that occurred. These early incidents include infamous crashes like the Hindenburg disaster, which marked the end of the dirigible era, and the tragic crash of the experimental de Havilland Comet, which exposed the limitations of pressurized cabins. The episodes also describe the evolution of air traffic control, which started with a visual system of signaling from the ground to planes in the air and grew into an elaborate, high-tech network of radio communications, radar, and automated tracking systems.

Throughout the series, viewers get a fascinating glimpse of the work of pilots who encounter airborne emergencies, and how they overcome these situations using their training, quick thinking and experience. The program showcases the aircrew's preparedness and the rigorous training they undergo to deal with emergencies. The show also demonstrates the ingenuity of aircraft mechanics, putting on display the various steps they take to ensure that the plane is in perfect physical condition to fly. For instance, the program highlights how a maintenance team can change an engine of a Boeing 747 in under three hours.

Survival in the Skies covers various historical events related to aviation safety, including hijackings, natural disasters, and accidents caused by human error. In these situations, the program depicts how air traffic control and other aviation security measures provide oxygen to passengers, guide the pilots on the appropriate procedures to follow, and notify rescue teams in case of an emergency. The series has re-creations of the scenarios that the aircrews face, keeping the audience on the edge of their seats.

Moreover, the show also showcases how crucial teamwork and communication are in the aviation industry. The series describes how air traffic controllers provide critical information to both the pilots and other controllers on land to ensure that the aircraft arrives at its intended destination safely. In addition, the program highlights the importance of coordination and communication between the pilots and the ground crew during takeoff and landing sequences.

In summary, Survival in the Skies presents a comprehensive and captivating view of the history of aviation safety, highlighting the most important innovations, practices and procedures that have made flying exponentially safer over time. The show features compelling stories of harrowing emergencies, courageous acts, and the remarkable men and women responsible for keeping passengers safe while in the skies. Whether you're an airplane enthusiast, a history buff or just enjoy watching riveting and educational shows, Survival in the Skies is a must-watch program that will inform, engage, and entertain you.

Survival in the Skies is a series that ran for 1 seasons (4 episodes) between June 5, 2016 and on Smithsonian