BBC - Reaching for the Skies (1987) Part 12 Vertical Flight

Reaching for the Skies

Reaching for the skies“ is unequivocally the best aviation documentary ever made in the history of film, and the history of flight. The series consists of 12 parts. The history is well researched; the narration is to the point, informative, and fascinating like flying itself. The story starts with Wright brothers' achieving what was impossible throughout known human history. The documentary covers all aspects of flying from the fastest, to the dangerous, to the most comfortable of aircraft. It is narrated by British actor Anthony Quayle and by Robert Vaughn for its American and International releases.

Part 12 Vertical Flight

Examining the history of vertical flight, the program begins with the early helicopters, and then deals the with the pivotal breakthrough of the Cierva Rotor-head, followed by an explanation by the modern master of the Autogyro, Ken Wallis accompanied by the last movement of Bach's 3rd Brandenburg Concerto. Thereafter we move forward to Igor Sikorsky's helicopter, with interview with the great designer at the time of its development. Thereafter the focus moves then to the two great periods of helicopter lifesaving, the Korean War and Vietnam, where the helicopter truly went to war and heroes were made. The calm recollections of several very decorated veterans of the conflict make for compelling viewing, combined with previously unseen film footage of the conflict.

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