Dating to 1970, “AIRPLANE TRIP” was the fourth edition Encyclopedia Brittanica film to bear that name. The progress of aviation in the years between the first version in the 1930s was so much as to make new versions necessary every decade or so. This film takes place at LAX airport in Los Angeles, with passengers boarding a National Airlines flight from LA to Miami (:48). Stewardesses are loading into a van as they have arisen early at the Huntley House Hotel to prepare for the flight (1:04). This plane, a National Airlines (2:27) DC-10 tail #N64NA (and nicknamed “Geraldine” by the airline), has seating for 255 passengers and requires eight stewardesses. Father and son receive boarding passes and check luggage (3:41). Meanwhile, the captain is discussing the weather, load information, routes and altitudes with his first officer and flight engineer (3:56).
As the boy is wondering just where his baggage is heading, it is being loaded into the plane (4:29). Although mechanics will maintain and fix all equipment, the captain makes his own personal checks to ensure nothing has been missed (4:49).On board, the stewardesses make their checks of equipment such as pillows, etc (5:08). In the cockpit, parking brakes and oxygen masks are also checked (5:25). As passengers begin to board and take their seats, the fasten seat belt light flicks on (6:05). Engines are kicking on, the plane is preparing for take off and doors are armed and locked (6:32). Flight staff is then to explain emergency equipment and procedures such as the oxygen mask (6:53).After having been cleared for departure, and then taking off, the pilot explains the route to the passengers (8:35). The flight will head through El Paso, Austin, Houston and then exit the Texas coast heading over the Gulf of Mexico, the Mississippi Delta region and fly into the coast of Florida, landing in Miami.While in the air, the staff will remain in contact with ground stations which will report back on nearby aircraft and weather conditions (9:11). Passing over El Paso, altitudes will read 37,000 feet and speeds reach 645 mph (9:39).
Upon approaching the Florida coast, those altitudes as well as cabin air pressure will begin to drop (11:11). The plane touches down and passengers begin to exit the plane (12:48). As the child expresses gratitude for the flight and staff, a stewardess, now alone on the empty aircraft, speaks of her long day and plans for the night (13:14). The film is drawing to it’s conclusion with credit screens and a special thank you note to National Airlines for their assistance in the making of the film (13:34).
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