Watch The Worst Place to Be a Pilot

The Worst Place to Be a Pilot is a four-part documentary series from Channel 4 that follows the lives of three British pilots who work in some of the most remote and dangerous locations in the world. The series premiered in 2014 and stars Steven Mackintosh, Heath Brandon, and Matt Dearden.

In each episode, one of the pilots takes the viewer on a journey to their work location and gives a firsthand account of the challenges they face every day. The first episode follows Steven Mackintosh as he pilots a small plane across Papua New Guinea. Mackintosh's job is to fly small planes and deliver vital supplies to isolated communities that are only accessible by air. Papua New Guinea has some of the most rugged and mountainous terrain on the planet, and the weather conditions can change quickly. As a result, the country has one of the highest rates of air crashes in the world. Mackintosh's job is to ensure that he delivers the supplies safely and returns home in one piece.

The second episode features Heath Brandon, who is based in the Alaskan wilderness. Brandon flies a small plane that transports fishermen to remote and isolated lakes, where they can catch salmon. Brandon's job is vital as it provides the fishermen with access to some of the most productive fishing areas in North America. But the job comes with considerable risks, as Brandon is regularly exposed to extreme weather conditions that can ground him for days at a time.

The third episode follows Matt Dearden as he flies planes over the Indonesian archipelago. Dearden's job is to transport tourists and surfers to remote islands that are off the beaten track. Indonesia has some of the most stunning scenery in the world, but the beauty is matched by the danger. The country has one of the highest rates of air crashes in the world, and Dearden is constantly aware of the risks he faces.

Throughout the series, each pilot talks candidly about the perils they face every day. They also give a sense of the awe-inspiring beauty of the landscapes they fly over. But it is the human stories that make the series so compelling. In the first episode, Mackintosh talks about the importance of the work he does in Papua New Guinea. He explains that the supplies he delivers are often the only link that isolated communities have to the outside world. In the second episode, Brandon talks about the deep respect he has for the Alaskan wilderness and how he has learned to live in harmony with it. In the third episode, Dearden talks about the thrill of flying over the Indonesian archipelago, but also the deep sense of responsibility he feels for the lives of his passengers.

The Worst Place to Be a Pilot is a gripping and challenging series that gives viewers a unique insight into the lives of pilots who work in some of the most dangerous locations in the world. The series is not just for aviation enthusiasts but also for anyone who is interested in the human stories behind the headlines. It is a testament to the courage and skill of the pilots who take on these challenging roles and a tribute to the communities they serve.