Tv series

[Andy_G]

New Tv series over three weeks "Australia come fly with me" on SBS, fingers crossed it wont just all be about Qantas.
Bit of a look back at the past of the industry when it was optimistic.
So there's that, what do you think another doco will be about in 50 years from now, looking back at the industry from the late ninetees to now?

https://youtu.be/kvNOZvHyq3c

[PoppaJo]

Back when one would go and buy an outfit just to go flying. Can we go back in time?

Fast forward and whilst I have yet to have someone walk on with underwear and bintang singlet, however from what I’ve seen of late that day is very near.

[vne165]

My Mum is in it, yet to watch as not 8:30 here yet. :)

[dr dre]

Am I the only one who thinks the mythology of flying in the “good old days” 20’s, 50’s, 70’s whenever has been over glamourised? We tend to romanticise the past.

Far higher crash rate, longer trip times, almost unaffordable ticket prices, less frequency, lower cruise altitudes in the middle of weather, cabins filled with smoke, higher noise levels, no IFE, more lost luggage. Air travel only used frequently by a small group of people.

[vne165]

Dr., probably.

[Sunfish]

dr dre +1, so very true, but at least you could visit the cockpit and perhaps sit in the jump seat.

[morno]

dr dre +1, so very true, but at least you could visit the cockpit and perhaps sit in the jump seat.

Woopdee doo. Did they take you direct to Melbourne?

[ruprecht]

Everything is amazing now, and nobody is happy:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PdFB7q89_3U

“You’re sitting on a chair. In the sky...” :)

[deja vu]

Am I the only one who thinks the mythology of flying in the “good old days” 20’s, 50’s, 70’s whenever has been over glamourised? We tend to romanticise the past.

Far higher crash rate, longer trip times, almost unaffordable ticket prices, less frequency, lower cruise altitudes in the middle of weather, cabins filled with smoke, higher noise levels, no IFE, more lost luggage. Air travel only used frequently by a small group of people.
Yeah, great days indeed. Flying was special. People had manners. Bogans went to Rosebud for a holiday or got a bus or train to Mildura or Swan Hill. Cabin crew were charming as opposed to todays charmers. Flying now is an ordeal. Increase the fares and pay the staff and return it as it was in the past.

[morno]

And watch the number of unemployed pilots climb higher.

[dr dre]

And watch the number of unemployed pilots climb higher.

Totally agree. Flying shouldn’t be the preserve of only the well to do. It shouldn’t cost a full
year’s average salary to afford a return ticket to Europe as it once did. Plus yes, the boom and wide accessibility of air travel (well, up to this year at least but hopefully back within a few) has created employment for far more budding aviators than in the past. And for a lot who would’ve not had the chance to enter the flight deck, women, those from poorer backgrounds

[gordonfvckingramsay]

Flying shouldn’t be the preserve of only the well to do. It shouldn’t cost a full
year’s average salary to afford a return ticket to Europe as it once did.

Nor should it cost less than the cost of a taxi ride to fly across Australia. I’d take something in the middle of “golden era” travel and the unwashed hordes we have now.

[deja vu]

Totally agree. Flying shouldn’t be the preserve of only the well to do. It shouldn’t cost a full
year’s average salary to afford a return ticket to Europe as it once did. Plus yes, the boom and wide accessibility of air travel (well, up to this year at least but hopefully back within a few) has created employment for far more budding aviators than in the past. And for a lot who would’ve not had the chance to enter the flight deck, women, those from poorer backgrounds

Fine, if you wish for quantity over quality. More people have lousy jobs, sounds good.
And apart from a few years of the flying boat era it didn't cost anywhere near a years salary.

[morno]

Nor should it cost less than the cost of a taxi ride to fly across Australia. I’d take something in the middle of “golden era” travel and the unwashed hordes we have now.

It’s a seat for a matter of hours. Who cares.

Sounds like you are a bit stuck up and only travel business class anyway, so Low cost airlines and “the unwashed hordes” shouldn’t bother you.

[finestkind]

Yes, it was a glamourised (possibly overly) occupation and also a way to travel up until the 1980’s? The down side is that it was expensive particularly in Australia. I remember when in the mid 80’s it was around $1500 to fly Sydney – Perth return. A captive audience. You still, I believe, could get a London return ticket for that price up until recently. And as with most things a negative produces a positive. With travel expensive the drunken rowdy mob and obnoxious individuals where generally not sighted. The downside of cheap travel is the workers, aircrew etc, are no longer in the pay bracket they once were. Also you have to put up with be seated with individuals that you would in normal circumstances avoid. Before a comment is made on snobbery I am a bogan but an important difference, I believe, is I was bought up with manners and respect for others (until it was displayed that they did not deserve such)

[Wunwing]

I was a 707 and 747 FEO from age 22, until retirement at 55. It was glamorous in the early days and our main completion until the Jumbo was a ship if you wanted cheap to London.

One event that opened my eyes was flying the Hajj from Jakarta for 2 months in the mid 90s. The Hajj passengers were very poor and it was probably the only time most will fly in their lives. But they were respectful and generous to us in their appreciation and their joy in travelling to Mecca was obvious. From that I learned that price isn't the problem. I suspect its the ease to do it again and again which takes both the enjoyment and the pleasure out of flying for most pax. Its no longer special so they react accordingly.

Wunwing

[601]

Ever the concept of LLCs came on the scene, it has been a race to the bottom.

The ticket price should reflect what it actually cost/nm to offer that seat, plus the margin, for the particular aircraft, not an average over the fleet.

No one is treated like a customer these days, more like an inconvenience in getting VH-ZZZ from A to B.
Rather than have boarding passes available in what ever technology is fashionable on the particular day, why not have a barcode tattooed on our forehead. They could read our ID and flight details from the barcode.and take our temperature at the same time. An update could let the authorities know where we had been for the last 14 days

I had an experience BC19 where a group of us had booked Melbourne to Queenstown on VA tickets. It was codeshared on an Air NZ aircraft.
Departed about 10 am with about 2pm arrival in NZ,
As it was an International flight the VA site indicated that we would get lunch on board.
Yes there was lunch, but only for the ANZ passengers. "Why" we asked. "You did not request lunch. "

It used to be simple once. A flight over breakfast you received breakfast, Same for a flight over lunch and dinner periods.
Now booking a flight it is liking ordering a meal at the so called fast food outlets
"Would you like that to be a meal?" "Would you like fries with that?" "Would you like any drinks with that"

At least the airline booking system can speak English, not some warp-speed gibberage that we hear these days.

And how did SBS weave land rights into a series on flight?

[Bend alot]

No one is treated like a customer these days, more like an inconvenience in getting VH-ZZZ from A to B.

Have you ever been from A to B in VH-ZZZ?

[boaccomet4]

Watched the first episode on SBS and will be interested to see how much they will actually show in the series as much of the footage was dominated by ads.
I was lucky enough as a boy to travel often with the with Ansett-ANA, TAA,EWA, Airlines of NSW (aka Butler Airways and Barrier Reef Airways) and have to agree that the 1960's and 70's were the Golden Era of Aviation. Was definitely only for the wealthy but the inflight service was pretty good as were the meals. It was all very glamorous and people dressed as if they were going to a formal dinner. Still have menus, junior flyer club logbooks and other collectables from that era. Most memorable flights were First Class on a BOAC Comet 4 to AKLjust prior to their retirement and return in a QF Electra, QF707 to AKL and return with TEAL/Air New on DC8 Sydney to Noumea on UTA Caravelle, and Sydney Lord Howe and return on the old Sunderland/Sandringham flying boats. But in those days the legroom, inflight meals and service was great in both First and Economy and the cabin crew were proud of the product.
Probably the best documentary of the Golden Ae of air travel is 'Come Fly With Me The Story of PANAM' which you can watch on youtube.

[deja vu]

Watched the first episode on SBS and will be interested to see how much they will actually show in the series as much of the footage was dominated by ads.
I was lucky enough as a boy to travel often with the with Ansett-ANA, TAA,EWA, Airlines of NSW (aka Butler Airways and Barrier Reef Airways) and have to agree that the 1960's and 70's were the Golden Era of Aviation. Was definitely only for the wealthy but the inflight service was pretty good as were the meals. It was all very glamorous and people dressed as if they were going to a formal dinner. Still have menus, junior flyer club logbooks and other collectables from that era. Most memorable flights were First Class on a BOAC Comet 4 to AKLjust prior to their retirement and return in a QF Electra, QF707 to AKL and return with TEAL/Air New on DC8 Sydney to Noumea on UTA Caravelle, and Sydney Lord Howe and return on the old Sunderland/Sandringham flying boats. But in those days the legroom, inflight meals and service was great in both First and Economy and the cabin crew were proud of the product.
Probably the best documentary of the Golden Ae of air travel is 'Come Fly With Me The Story of PANAM' which you can watch on youtube.
Yes, those who experienced those times were indeed lucky.
As Morno pointed out, it is only a seat for a few hours, and you can now get from A to B for a pittance. Its a bit like comparing a Macca's drive thru meal with watered down coke syrup to a fine dining restaurant. Both satisfy a need but one always ends in a promise of never again and the other is a memorable and special experience albeit at a little more significant expense. I guess if both have never been experienced its more difficult to know. The end result of the LCC introduction as you see now, everyone has lost except for the blue singlet brigade. And the real shame is what is laughingly called a "full service" carrier is only marginally better, same attitude though.

On the topic of SBS having to weave in a "land rights" moan into a story about aviation, thats the norm for our anti OZ broadcaster, expect more in the next 2 episodes. I understand there is a claim of sexism coming up because a new airline recruit was forced to do a ground school instead of moving straight to the cockpit, you can't make this stuff up.

[boaccomet4]

Valid points all round. Probably my last experience of what it was like in the Golden Age of flying was having the chance to fly on a BA Corcorde from LHR-NYC. All First Class of course and the cabin crew worked hard delivering several courses all by hand - no carts. Was even invited to the flight deck and the FEO was working hard to transfer fuel to maintain optimum CofG.. The Captain and F/O were very informative. Mach 2 at 60,000ft with only 40 pax onboard. Was certainly strange seeing the sky dark blue during the day, curvature of the earth and Venus below the horizon. Arrived in NYC just on dusk in time for dinner after only 3hrs and 15 mins. Pitty they are not still operating and BA were actually making a profit after they raised the fares.

[Sunfish]

I was lucky enough at Ansett to take annual leave in October 1977(?) to Hayman Island with my wife. Our tickets were stamped “annual leave” we were upgraded and had a simply magical time there. I vaguely remember beachcombers and a big radial sitting in the shrubbery. Of course Abeles put a stop to that and rebuilt Hayman, taking it way out of reach of the average Australian.

[deja vu]

I was lucky enough at Ansett to take annual leave in October 1977(?) to Hayman Island with my wife. Our tickets were stamped “annual leave” we were upgraded and had a simply magical time there. I vaguely remember beachcombers and a big radial sitting in the shrubbery. Of course Abeles put a stop to that and rebuilt Hayman, taking it way out of reach of the average Australian.

A yes, staff travel in those days was fantastic. Not to wander too far from the thread here but I remember how airline employees went to great lengths to help each other in the days you mentioned. Had many experiences of amazing generosity and extra effort to which I always did my best to reciprocate when the opportunity came up. Another thing lost to history.

[CaptainInsaneO]

The series seems to be more about feminism than aviation.

Pretty funny watching the presenter freak when they are flying in small aircraft.

[Obie]

I used to freak when I was flying in a big aircraft...and I was the Captain!!

[globex6000]

Am I the only one who thinks the mythology of flying in the “good old days” 20’s, 50’s, 70’s whenever has been over glamourised? We tend to romanticise the past.

Far higher crash rate, longer trip times, almost unaffordable ticket prices, less frequency, lower cruise altitudes in the middle of weather, cabins filled with smoke, higher noise levels, no IFE, more lost luggage. Air travel only used frequently by a small group of people.

Absolutely. Everyone always craps on about how much more luxurious flying was 'back in the day'.

Bollocks. Compare the cost of a seat in each, adjust for average income and see just how luxurious it really was. The true adjusted cost of an economy seat 30 or 40 years ago was more than a business class seat today. And business class today is more like 1st class 30 years ago. Most Those promotional photos from back then? They weren't taken in a plane, they were a photo studio. Half of them don't even have overhead bins or seat tracks.

What has changed is that low cost flying simply didn't exist back then. So people wonder why their economy flight to Bali than cost the equivalent of 3 days average pay isn't as nice as an economy flight from the 70's that cost 3 months wage.

[Cafe City]

Absolutely. Everyone always craps on about how much more luxurious flying was 'back in the day'.

Bollocks. Compare the cost of a seat in each, adjust for average income and see just how luxurious it really was. The true adjusted cost of an economy seat 30 or 40 years ago was more than a business class seat today. And business class today is more like 1st class 30 years ago. Most Those promotional photos from back then? They weren't taken in a plane, they were a photo studio. Half of them don't even have overhead bins or seat tracks.

What has changed is that low cost flying simply didn't exist back then. So people wonder why their economy flight to Bali than cost the equivalent of 3 days average pay isn't as nice as an economy flight from the 70's that cost 3 months wage.

..and why Bali has turned into a sh1thole compared to when it actually was considered special and a privilege to be able to visit such a place in the early 70s.

[deja vu]

Absolutely. Everyone always craps on about how much more luxurious flying was 'back in the day'.

Bollocks. Compare the cost of a seat in each, adjust for average income and see just how luxurious it really was. The true adjusted cost of an economy seat 30 or 40 years ago was more than a business class seat today. And business class today is more like 1st class 30 years ago. Most Those promotional photos from back then? They weren't taken in a plane, they were a photo studio. Half of them don't even have overhead bins or seat tracks.

What has changed is that low cost flying simply didn't exist back then. So people wonder why their economy flight to Bali than cost the equivalent of 3 days average pay isn't as nice as an economy flight from the 70's that cost 3 months wage.

What has the cost of a seat got to do with the level of luxury that was the norm "back in the day" 30 years ago was not back in the day, the rot had already set in by then.No it was in my case more like 50 plus years ago. It was an experience, to be looked forward to and enjoyed every second every time. Thats the point here.

There is no question its cheaper now than it was then based on lots of variables. However as a single guy in 1964/65 and earning about 18 pounds per week, frequently I would bowl out to Essendon and take a late Friday 727 flight to Brisbane or Sydney or Adelaide and return on Sunday night. I could afford it, there was no business class then so can't compare. Mind you I didn't have a $1000 mobile phone and a $200/month plan and Foxtel or health insurance or Stan and a cup of coffee/tea was sixpence and a sandwich 9 pence.

But seriously if I was offered a free domestic flight to anywhere in OZ today, I would avoid it like the plague.

[By George]

To a point there is a tendency to romanticise the past, but in my opinion for very good reasons. Domestic flying today is just a series of nightmares and it is a horrible experience;

1. The curb side drop off or parking experience. Absolute chaos, expensive, push and shove with the obligatory high vis vest goon advising you to 'keep moving'.
2. Check-in and security. Humiliating, chaotic with security shouting out at nobody in particular. Beware of toothpaste and yogurt, lethal apparently.
3. Humiliating boarding process where one is socially divided according to the price of the ticket. "all the remaining passengers may now board". (Sneak past, doing my best leper impersonation.)
4. The seat pitch nightmare, overcrowded lockers as old mate brings half the garden shed with him.
5. Shrieking PA's that never shut up. "Hello Everybody" (very few Ladies and Gentlemen left, I guess.)
6. Having to listen to teenage girls covered in tattoo's with rings in their noses incapable of speaking more than two words without using 'Like'.
7. lunch being a biscuit or a muesli bar. (two minute noodles in Virgin Business class....sheeeeer luxury)
8. ATC delays
9. Agonising deplaning as previous old mate blocks the isle while searching through the overhead for his car keys.
10. The new 'Covid experience', being interviewed by the police on arrival.
11. The baggage carousel nightmare.
12 Finally, trying to get out the bloody door and being confronted by a taxi tout. Best Peter Sellers impersonation, "Taxi Sir, Taxi?" (bugger off)

No, I'm sorry the good old days were wonderful. My Mum dressed to the nines, complete with beauty case, white gloves and hat. My dad in a suit and tie and myself and my four brothers all dressed identically. Table clothes, stainless steel cutlery and plenty of space.
I would rather stick a needle in my eye than fly domestically as a passenger. I only do it because somebody is paying me.

[Wunwing]

The Bali example is a good one. QF commenced DPS services in the mid 70s taking over from Pan Am after their disastrous 1st into the Pacific add campaign.

There were 2x B707 services per week. Each B707 was configured at 20/120. Garuda ran DC8 50s at roughly the same configuration. So about 600 pax either way/week.
Looking at the flights by say Dec 2019 its easy to see why Bali went the way it did.

The crew got 3 or 4 day slips at the Hotel Bali Beach. That was pretty cruisy as well.

Wunwing.

[bekolblockage]

The Bali example is a good one. QF commenced DPS services in the mid 70s taking over from Pan Am after their disastrous 1st into the Pacific add campaign.

There were 2x B707 services per week. Each B707 was configured at 20/120. Garuda ran DC8 50s at roughly the same configuration. So about 600 pax either way/week.
Looking at the flights by say Dec 2019 its easy to see why Bali went the way it did.

The crew got 3 or 4 day slips at the Hotel Bali Beach. That was pretty cruisy as well.

Wunwing.

My visit was less salubrious in the early 70s; flying on a Merpati Nusantara HS748 from Darwin via Kupang and staying in some thatched cottages on the edge of a then pristine Kuta Beach.

To my recollection, the Bali Beach Hotel was the only real International hotel at the time.

I returned 45 years later for an ICAO conference and was absolutely saddened and disgusted to see the desecration of the place and the behaviour of my fellow countrymen who treated the place no better than a public beer trough and place to vomit.

If that’s what you call the ‘advantages’ of low airfares , then you can keep them.
I’m sure someone will come on here and argue about the incredible tourist Dollars brought to the locals there.
I’m sure the original peaceful and pacifist mainly Hindu community then would roll back the clock if they could.

[Whispering T-Jet]

I like SBS (SBS = Sex and Bloody Soccer :}) as a network and watch their news every night as the only channel that has decent international coverage. That said, I know they are a bunch of lefties and I have to self correct for their news biases and minor editorialising of the news..

Onto "Australia come fly with me" episode one. Somehow the stolen generation was brought into it and while female aviators and systemic sexism were under reported in the past this show over corrects in typical SBS fashion.

Another gripe: So far Ansett has not been mentioned once and whilst they showed and flew around in DC-3 VH-AES, TAA's first plane (now at HARS) no mention was made of the airline (TAA) that represented nearly half of domestic avaition for nearly 50 years, nor was their any look as to why the government formed it, the two airline policy etc etc. Many be this is coming up in episode two but I suspect much of it will be worthy coverage of how flight attendants lead the way on LGBT rights etc. Not that I have objections to that as part of the story per se, it just seems all a bit light weight as a look at 100 years of civil aviation.

[boaccomet4]

Just saw the second episode of this series. Pretty much about sexism and equal rights. Although relevent, there is still very little or no mention of Domestic operations especially Ansett and TAA, the introduction of gas turbine aircraft/ jet operations to domestic operations and the learning curve involved in the transition from piston powered aircraft to the new types that faced aircrew converting to those aircraft. Hopefully there will be some interviews with domestic Pilots were part of that era. Also the accidents that occured during the 1950's and 1960's.ie the F27 at MKY in 1960 and the Viscounts and subsequent enquiries that let to Australia introducing the CVR/FDR's to improve accident investigation and safer skies.

[vne165]

It's from inside the bubble.
Wildbear Entertainment in conjunction with Screen Australia.
Wouldn't have legs if no Aboriginal or female content.
Sigh...

[dr dre]

To a point there is a tendency to romanticise the past, but in my opinion for very good reasons. Domestic flying today is just a series of nightmares and it is a horrible experience;

Agonising, chaos, humiliating, nightmare....

C’mon you’re not being asked to trek through impenetrable jungle with minimal supplies.

Youll be able to rock up to an airport, having checked in on your phone, drop off baggage that’ll have a higher probability of arriving at its destination than at any point of history, pass through what is an unobtrusive security check (look at the US TSA for comparison) have a wide choice of flights at many times of day, get to your destination in near perfect safety, be able to access Wifi and IFE, be able to connect with more options and more choice at any point in history and for a price that was a fraction that it was 50 years ago. If you’re willing to pay the ticket price they were paying years ago you get put at the front of the plane and get lie flat beds, exclusive lounge access and 3 course meals with shiny cutlery.

Check-in and security. Humiliating, chaotic with security shouting out at nobody in particular. Beware of toothpaste and yogurt, lethal apparently.

Are you even from Australia? Bans on liquids like toothpaste and yoghurt have never been a part of Australian domestic travel.

[morno]

C’mon you’re not being asked to trek through impenetrable jungle with minimal supplies.

Youll be able to rock up to an airport, having checked in on your phone, drop off baggage that’ll have a higher probability of arriving at its destination than at any point of history, pass through what is an unobtrusive security check (look at the US TSA for comparison) have a wide choice of flights at many times of day, get to your destination in near perfect safety, be able to access Wifi and IFE, be able to connect with more options and more choice at any point in history and for a price that was a fraction that it was 50 years ago. If you’re willing to pay the ticket price they were paying years ago you get put at the front of the plane and get lie flat beds, exclusive lounge access and 3 course meals with shiny cutlery.



Are you even from Australia? Bans on liquids like toothpaste and yoghurt have never been a part of Australian domestic travel.

What he said

[megan]

I'm thinking some of the posters here must carry their own thumb tack to sit upon so as to have some thing to complain about. My only gripe about air travel is the marathon, albeit at waking pace, you have to undergo to get from kerb side to the gate at some of the airports these days, even though they might have the moving walkways. As to price, I did see a comment many years ago that the fare Oz - UK hasn't changed since the 30's, £800, inflation has taken care of the value. We should thank the lower echelons of society as well, for without them there would be many occupiers of row 0 without a job, or a job to aspire to.

[deja vu]

Just saw the second episode of this series. Pretty much about sexism and equal rights. Although relevent, there is still very little or no mention of Domestic operations especially Ansett and TAA, the introduction of gas turbine aircraft/ jet operations to domestic operations and the learning curve involved in the transition from piston powered aircraft to the new types that faced aircrew converting to those aircraft. Hopefully there will be some interviews with domestic Pilots were part of that era. Also the accidents that occured during the 1950's and 1960's.ie the F27 at MKY in 1960 and the Viscounts and subsequent enquiries that let to Australia introducing the CVR/FDR's to improve accident investigation and safer skies.
Saw the second episode, maybe they might actually show a bit about aviation in the final episode, but I doubt it. So far, just a huge moan. Not a mention about the huge contribution of GA, the military, helicopter operations or so many other areas that make up the 100 years of Aviation history in Australia.

[dr dre]

Just saw the second episode of this series. Pretty much about sexism and equal rights.


Many be this is coming up in episode two but I suspect much of it will be worthy coverage of how flight attendants lead the way on LGBT rights etc. Not that I have objections to that as part of the story per se, it just seems all a bit light weight as a look at 100 years of civil aviation.


On the topic of SBS having to weave in a "land rights" moan into a story about aviation, thats the norm for our anti OZ broadcaster, expect more in the next 2 episodes.l

Have any of these commenters read the context of the series and the stories it’s telling? As they state in the program brief this was never going to be about the telling of the total history about piloting, military or rotary wing aviation, it wasn’t going to be a series summarising the last 100 years of Australian Aviation, it was never intended to be from the outset. The program synopsis below (https://www.sbs.com.au/guide/article/2020/09/14/justine-clarke-hosts-australia-come-fly-me-charting-our-history-air):

The history of flight is filled with danger and glamour, social injustice and opportunity. Just as it brought people together, air travel also revealed the disparities in our society.Over three weeks, Australia Come Fly With Me will celebrate the turbulent history of Australians in the air. 2020 marks 100 years of civil aviation in this country at a time when the industry is facing its biggest challenge.

Hosted by much-loved actor Justine Clarke, the three-part series is a collision of pop culture, the history of flight and the great shifts in Australian life that flying enabled. The opportunities and tensions created by air travel form the context for struggles between sexes, sexualities and cultures that reflect and foreshadow changes that would follow on the ground.

It was always going to be more about social issues within aviation and how they changed with changing Australian society than about pure aviation itself. If that’s not to your liking then don’t watch it. Plenty of other media out there about pure aviation related content you can view to your hearts content.

[deja vu]

Have any of these commenters read the context of the series and the stories it’s telling? As they state in the program brief this was never going to be about the telling of the total history about piloting, military or rotary wing aviation, it wasn’t going to be a series summarising the last 100 years of Australian Aviation, it was never intended to be from the outset. The program synopsis below (https://www.sbs.com.au/guide/article/2020/09/14/justine-clarke-hosts-australia-come-fly-me-charting-our-history-air):



It was always going to be more about social issues within aviation and how they changed with changing Australian society than about pure aviation itself. If that’s not to your liking then don’t watch it. Plenty of other media out there about pure aviation related content you can view to your hearts content.
Like I said, a long drawn out moan. Maybe it should have been titled "A history of irrelevant malcontents on the fringe of the Aviation industry"

[Pinky the pilot]

It was always going to be more about social issues within aviation and how they changed with changing Australian society than about pure aviation itself.

Quite an accurate summation dr dre. The cynical side of me says that you should not expect anything else (Ie a serious look at Aviation itself) from either SBS or the ABC for that matter

I noted one blooper in the second episode. Allegedly showing scenes of People dancing the 'latest' dance craze around 1962 according to the Narrator....to the soundtrack of the movie 'Those Magnificent Men in their Flying Machines'....which was made in 1965!

Hosted by much-loved actor Justine Clarke

I must have been leading a bit of a sheltered life of late. I have never heard of her!:confused:

[Fris B. Fairing]

I must have been leading a bit of a sheltered life of late. I have never heard of her!:confused:

Doesn't everyone on PPRuNe watch Play School?

[C441]

Doesn't everyone on PPRuNe watch Play School?
Nah mate! If you've got a 2 year old grand-daughter you'll know that it's The Wiggles that rule. :ok:

[Transition Layer]

What a disappointing series...had the potential to deliver so much, but it mostly spent hours talking about equality and attitudes towards gays. That’s fine, it deserves the air time, but not under the guise of an ode to 100 years of Aviation in this country!

The only highlight so far was the old QF hostie fondly remembering her love of BBC :}

[RodH]

I also agree that the series was a total let down indeed!
Advertised as a show representing 100 years of Australian Aviation but 95% was about Flight attendants and equality which whilst pertinent certainly did not show much aviation " per se " .
I don't know who put the show together but they certainly were biased towards women in aviation but very little about women flyers , nearly all about F/A's.
The show was worth a watch just to see if it did start to actually start to show more about aviation in general in the upcoming episodes but it turned out to be an utter waste of time!!!
It was very typical of SBS , put out by a bunch o lefties who want their personnel agenda seen.
Very little in this show to interest the average viewer.
1/10 maximum stars.:yuk::yuk::yuk:

[rcoight]

It was always going to be more about social issues within aviation and how they changed with changing Australian society than about pure aviation itself.

Correct. That’s the only framework that anything gets produced by the ABC/SBS these days.
Your tax dollars at work...

I’m glad others watched it so that I didn’t have to. Did they manage to squeeze some climate change alarmism in there too?

[Stickshift3000]

I also agree that the series was a total let down indeed!

Agree.

The recent two part Concorde doco on SBS had some interesting engineering insights. Available to watch online if anyone's bored:
https://www.sbs.com.au/ondemand/program/concorde-designing-the-dream

[Pinky the pilot]

Did they manage to squeeze some climate change alarmism in there too?

Not that I recall, but going on what has been seen so far, part 3 this week may do so! Wouldn't surprise me anyway.:rolleyes:

The recent two part Concorde doco on SBS had some interesting engineering insights.

Found that far more interesting!:ok: