In 1953 Eastern Airlines commemorated the 50th anniversary of powered flight with “Flying with Arthur Godfrey”. Arthur Godfrey was a famous actor, journalist and — an accomplished pilot.The film also features famed ace Eddie Rickenbacker. Throughout the film and in an attempt to make the public feel safer with air travel, Godfrey and fellow pilots deliver in-depth explanations of how they use various equipment and tools within the cockpit. Godfrey shows some of his own personally owned crafts including a Lockheed Starfire.
Presented by Eastern Airlines (:26), a Jerry Fairbanks Production (:50). Godfrey (1:00) shows a photograph of Eddie Rickenbacker (1:57). He shares his personal aviation history beginning in 1929 (2:17). Close shots follow of his certifications as carrier pilot (3:07), jet pilot (3:10) and helicopter pilot (3:19). Godfrey holds a model of a Wright brothers era plane (3:55). He slips into the pilot’s seat to demonstrate how early fliers might have operated the craft (4:48) including operations of the flippers and tail (5:00). He wiggles the rudder bars (5:17). Footage follows of Rickenbacker flying as part of the 94th squadron leading other fighter planes into a dog fight (5:52). A series of SPAD S.XIII’s fly in formation (5:48). Rickenbacker is awarded for his service (6:24). He sits in the cockpit (6:31). Another SPAD S.XIII takes a solo flight (6:42). Eddie touches down (6:47). The captain and Rickenbacker talk about a passenger plane of the Lockheed Constellation line (8:10). The Eastern logo reads across the side of the craft (8:31). The crew arrives (9:00). The film takes a tour on a regularly scheduled flight (9:24) from New York to Miami. Captain Dick Merrill is introduced (9:42). Weather fronts are discussed (10:20). Within the cockpit; controls are noted including the throttle (12:07), accelerators, flux gate compass (12:56), and the magnetic compass (13:00). The Omni range bearing is adjusted (13:07). The localizer and glide path projector appears (13:15). Captain and crew (14:13) complete final checks. Propellers kick on (14:59). Safety pins are pulled from landing wheels (15:28). The pilot signals from the window of the cockpit (16:08). Technicians clear the runway for takeoff (16:26). The craft rolls into the warm up block (17:26). Pilots call for clearance (18:18). A bottom view of the undercarriage of the plane follows as it shoots up for lift off (19:07). Wheels lift up (19:19). Flaps are pulled (19:57). The pilot pulls out a Chesterfield cigarette (20:12). Stewardesses prepare inflight service meals (21:24). Pilots level off (21:47). The pilot notes directional tools including the compass (22:06) and Omni range receiver (22:11). Omni radio stations are pointed out in Atlantic City (22:39), Norfolk and Myrtle Beach. They approach Miami (23:28). Pilot and copilot radio control towers (23:46). Landing gear is extended (24:30). The craft lowers to the landing strip (25:01). Propellers halt and service crews swing in (26:12). In a demonstration for landing at night (27:43) tools such as the ADF needle (28:07) are explained. GCA is explained; ground control approach (28:52). Radar monitors watch the final approach (29:21). Control towers monitor the glide path (30:02). Approach lights swing into view (30:22). Greenlights mark the start of the runway (30:53). Border lights line the runway (30:57). One engine is downed (32:07). They maintain flight (32:24). Godfrey boasts about the skill set of the mechanics (33:49). His 1940’s North American Navion; a single engine plane touches down (34:31). His DC-3 flies over (34:50). Lockheed F-94 Starfire (35:35) for a flight demonstration with Tommy Daniels of the USAF (36:55). Daniels takes Godfrey to the after burner and tail section (37:40). Jet buzzes by (39:25). Afterburner in operation (39:39). A chief test pilot; Tony Levier of Lockheed Martin (40:22) shows how to penetrate the sound barrier in a Lockheed F-94 (40:40). The craft bends in outer space (41:02). Cameras capture the moment the sound barrier was broken (41:24).Silence of supersonic flight (41:35). Rickenbacker (44:31) and Godfrey discuss the jet age. Godfrey and Capt. Merrill shake hands (46:19).
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