10 Aircraft Documentaries to Watch

Of all the resources out there for aviation enthusiasts to check out, perhaps documentaries are the most entertaining and informational. There are plenty of documentaries out there that detail famous crashes, pilots, aircraft models, and more. Those training for pilot licenses can learn a lot from these films, too, since they share the history of flying and portray what (or what not) to do aboard a plane.

1. On Board Air Force One

Peter Schnall's “On Board Air Force One” is a National Geographic documentary that shows viewers the inside of the famous Boeing 747 planes designated for U.S. presidential use. Rated PG, this film is perfect to see how presidential meetings and conduct are conducted during international and national flights.

2. Miracle on the Hudson and Other Extraordinary Crash

Events

If you're interested in learning the history behind the 2016 box office hit “Sully,” which starred Tom Hanks, consider watching this documentary produced by the Discovery Channel and directed by Marc Tiley. The main focus of this PG documentary is the miraculous safe landing of the US Airways 1549 flight on the Hudson River after the plane's engines were damaged by birds.

3. The Memphis Belle: A Story of a Flying Fortress

Made entirely of real footage from the bombing missions of American warcraft during WWII, this documentary produced by William Wyler debuted in 1944 and features the crew of the Memphis Belle, a B-17 bomber. It is available to stream on Prime Video, DIRECTV STREAM, Epix, and Tubi.

4. Kitty Hawk: The Wright Brothers’ Journey of Invention

This documentary by director David Garrigus follows the famous Orville and Wilbur Wright as they create the first successful manned flight. A PG film produced by PBS, the voices of Neil Armstrong and John Glenn are used in narration.