This is the most realistic flying movie I have seen for pilots, experienced veterans or future aviators alike. It depicts the real workings of Air Traffic Control, Airline Dispatch Centers, and cockpit crew coordination. The airliners used in the movie may be outdated (like me) but the movie still captures the essence and intensity of airline pilots daily life. The many melodramatic movies that tried to cash-in on the success of the original "Airport (1970)" ridiculed the seriousness and the professionalism expected from Airline Rated Pilots. "The Pilot" was refreshing story to see, a model for future aviators to emulate.
The story follows the life of a senior airline pilot, member of a rare breed of aviators, the "born-to-fly" type. Captain Hagan (Cliff Robertson) has been flying all his life, he was born to fly. He flew at every "flight levels": private, military, and finally airline transport. In his time off, he flies his own airplane whereas most professionals go on to enjoy other activities. Captain Hagan has developed a sixth sense for flying as he forms a single entity with the aircraft. He feels the air flowing over the airfoil surfaces and communicates with the jetliner through the controls.
Despite his safety record and his professionalism, Captain Hagan has a terrible secret, he is an alcoholic. Like a few former military fliers, he has learned to deal with the stresses of flying, the pain of loosing fellow pilots, the hardship of long war patrols with alcohol. Now he must deal with his disease and the movie follows his journey through recovery with the help of a controversial physician, Dr. O'Brian (Milo O'Shea).
Back on his "castle", Diane Baker plays the role of Pat Simpson, his supportive, sensitive, and affectionate sweetheart; in a sense, not an unusual scenario for some professional pilots. Under her tender eyes, he taxis out his acrobatic airplane and takes-off in the blue yonder where he finds peace and serenity. The end of the movie is plausible and I will let the viewer make their own critique.
Overall, I highly recommend this movie for anyone who wants a realistic non-Hollywood look at the rigors of airline flying along with the book "Tips to Fly by" by Richard Collins. Enjoy and fly safe!
The story follows the life of a senior airline pilot, member of a rare breed of aviators, the "born-to-fly" type. Captain Hagan (Cliff Robertson) has been flying all his life, he was born to fly. He flew at every "flight levels": private, military, and finally airline transport. In his time off, he flies his own airplane whereas most professionals go on to enjoy other activities. Captain Hagan has developed a sixth sense for flying as he forms a single entity with the aircraft. He feels the air flowing over the airfoil surfaces and communicates with the jetliner through the controls.
Despite his safety record and his professionalism, Captain Hagan has a terrible secret, he is an alcoholic. Like a few former military fliers, he has learned to deal with the stresses of flying, the pain of loosing fellow pilots, the hardship of long war patrols with alcohol. Now he must deal with his disease and the movie follows his journey through recovery with the help of a controversial physician, Dr. O'Brian (Milo O'Shea).
Back on his "castle", Diane Baker plays the role of Pat Simpson, his supportive, sensitive, and affectionate sweetheart; in a sense, not an unusual scenario for some professional pilots. Under her tender eyes, he taxis out his acrobatic airplane and takes-off in the blue yonder where he finds peace and serenity. The end of the movie is plausible and I will let the viewer make their own critique.
Overall, I highly recommend this movie for anyone who wants a realistic non-Hollywood look at the rigors of airline flying along with the book "Tips to Fly by" by Richard Collins. Enjoy and fly safe!