Beginning April 28, television viewers can discover the joy and
accomplishment of becoming a pilot through the new "Learning to
Fly" series created for the Discovery Wings Channel by the
Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) and its affiliate, the
National Association of Flight Instructors (NAFI).
The 13-part
series, produced by EAA Television, is the first program dedicated
to showcasing the steps in earning a pilot's certificate.
Each half-hour episode follows the challenges and achievements of
one student through each level of training with her flight
instructor. The series also shows viewers what is involved in
flight training and how they can also take their first steps toward
reaching their personal dreams of flight.
"We know that millions of people have considered learning to fly
but have hesitated because they don't know what's necessary to
reach that goal," said EAA President Tom Poberezny. "EAA saw
this series as essential to reaching those people with solid
information and encouragement. We hope through the series,
EAA can welcome many new people to the very fulfilling world of
flight."
The "Learning to Fly" series is the latest from
EAA Television, which has regularly produced programming for such
outlets as Discovery, ESPN and Speed Channel for more than a
decade. EAA TV has also created dozens of home video and
instructional productions, including an annual production
highlighting the EAA AirVenture fly-in convention in Oshkosh.
EAA's productions have won nearly 20 "Telly" awards honoring
non-network programming, as well as other awards.
Taping and production of the "Learning to Fly" series was
based at the EAA Aviation Center in Oshkosh and the adjacent
Wittman Regional Airport, home of the EAA AirVenture fly-in.
Actual flight instructors and students were featured to maintain
the integrity of the flight training curriculum.
"The current
trend and demand by TV audiences and cable outlets are for programs
that feature real people meeting challenges and accomplishing
goals," said series director Scott Guyette. "The popularity
of such programs makes us very enthusiastic that viewers will find
the 'Learning to Fly' series extremely interesting and
entertaining. This is not a commercial 'reality' show, but
instead a series that shows difficulties and achievements with
everyday people along with expert guidance, similar to popular
shows such as 'Junkyard Wars' or 'Trading Spaces.'"
Five original episodes will premiere April 28-May 2, with one
new episode aired each evening at 8 p.m. (EDT). Each episode
will then be repeated at 11 p.m., 4 a.m., 7 a.m., noon and 3 p.m.
during the next 24 hours.