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{{Use dmy dates|date=April 2022}}
{{Infobox television
{{Infobox television
| image =
| image =
| genre = [[Documentary]]<br>[[Reality television]]
| genre = [[Documentary]]<br />[[Reality television]]
| creator = Colin Strong
| creator = Colin Strong
| starring =
| starring =
| narrated = Michael Dean
| narrated = Michael Dean
| theme_music_composer = Don Percival
| theme_music_composer = Don Percival
| opentheme =
| opentheme =
| country = United Kingdom
| country = United Kingdom
| language = English
| language = English
| num_series =
| num_series =
| num_episodes = 8
| num_episodes = 8
| runtime = 30 minutes
| runtime = 30 minutes
| company =
| company =
⚫
| network = [[BBC One]]
| distributor =
⚫
| first_aired = {{Start date|df=y|1981|09|09}}
⚫
| network = [[BBC One]]
| last_aired = {{End date|df=y|1981|10|28}}
| picture_format =
⚫
| related =
⚫
| first_aired = {{start date|df=y|1981|9|9}}
| last_aired =
⚫
| related =
| website =
}}
}}
⚫
'''''Fighter Pilot''''' is a [[BBC television]] [[documentary film|documentary]] series that was broadcast in the UK on [[BBC One]], from 9 September to 28 October 1981.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nCrY4Frdgn8 | title=Fighter Pilot – Episode 1 – "Dreams" 1981 BBC| website=[[YouTube]]| access-date=21 November 2015 }}</ref> It was about the training of [[Fighter pilot|fast jet pilots]] in the [[Royal Air Force]] and followed the progress of six candidates as they went through the three-year programme. The BBC and the RAF first agreed to work together on a documentary in 1978, when there was a poor level of recruitment and a shortage of pilots in the service. At the time it cost £1 million to train a pilot (£4 million in 2011<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/newsbysector/industry/defence/8446324/RAF-fast-jet-pilots-4m-training-scheme-selects-only-the-most-talented-airmen.html | title= RAF fast jet pilots: £4m training scheme selects only the most talented airmen| access-date=13 April 2011 }}</ref>). The training process, from selection to operational service has a high drop-out rate and only one of the six original candidates went on to fly fast jets.


⚫
Three of the candidates were [[Aircraft maintenance technician|airmen]] who already served in the RAF, while the others were from civilian backgrounds (qualified nurse, zoologist and milkman/farm worker). The series was produced by Colin Strong, who closely followed the candidates for three-and-a-half years. To gain a detailed insight in to the process, he undertook the RAF [[Flight training|basic flying training]] course himself and flew solo in a [[BAC Jet Provost|Jet Provost]]. The series was nominated for a BAFTA award in 1982 for Television Factual Series.
⚫
'''''Fighter Pilot''''' was a [[BBC television]] [[documentary film|documentary]] series that was broadcast in the UK on [[BBC One]], from 9 September to 28 October 1981.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nCrY4Frdgn8 | title=www.youtube.com - Fighter Pilots - Episode 1 - "Dreams" 1981 BBC| accessdate=21 November 2015 | work=}}</ref> It was about the training of [[Fighter pilot|fast jet pilots]] in the [[Royal Air Force]] and followed the progress of six candidates as they went through the three-year programme. The BBC and the RAF first agreed to work together on a documentary in 1978, when there was a poor level of recruitment and a shortage of pilots in the service. At the time it cost £1 million to train a pilot (£4 million in 2011<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/newsbysector/industry/defence/8446324/RAF-fast-jet-pilots-4m-training-scheme-selects-only-the-most-talented-airmen.html | title= RAF fast jet pilots: £4m training scheme selects only the most talented airmen| accessdate=13 April 2011 | work=}}</ref>). The training process, from selection to operational service has a high drop-out rate and only one of the six original candidates went on to fly fast jets.

⚫
Three of the candidates were [[Aircraft maintenance technician|airmen]] who already served in the RAF, while the others were from civilian backgrounds (qualified nurse, zoologist and milkman/farm worker). The series was produced by Colin Strong, who closely followed the candidates for three-and-a-half years. To gain a detailed insight in to the process, he undertook the RAF [[Flight training|basic flying training]] course himself and flew solo in a [[BAC Jet Provost|Jet Provost]].


==Candidates==
==Candidates==
{|class="wikitable" width="100%"
{|class="wikitable" width= style="margin-right: 0;"
|- valign="top"
|- valign="top"
! style="background-color: #5D8AA8; color:#ffffff;"| Candidate
! style="background-color: #3B586C; color:#ffffff;"| Candidate
! style="background-color: #5D8AA8; color:#ffffff;"| Age
! style="background-color: #3B586C; color:#ffffff;"| Age
! style="background-color: #5D8AA8; color:#ffffff;"| Background
! style="background-color: #3B586C; color:#ffffff;"| Background
! style="background-color: #5D8AA8; color:#ffffff;"| RAF flying career
|-
|-
| John McCrea
| John McCrea<ref>{{cite news|url= http://www.avcollect.com/buccaneer_XX894_sp35_flown.html|title=Blackburn Buccaneer: The Awesome 'Banana Jet'|publisher=www.avcollect.com|date=21 November 2015}}</ref>
| style="text-align:center" | 22
| style="text-align:center" | 22
| Coalman, [[Farmworker|farm labourer]], [[milkman]]
| Coalman, farm worker, milkman
| [[Fighter pilot|Pilot]] on [[Blackburn Buccaneer|Buccaneer]] ([[Operation Granby]])
|-
|-
| Robbie Low
| Robbie Low<ref>{{cite news|url= http://www.raf.mod.uk/news/archive.cfm?storyid=B4C7EF4F-1143-EC82-2EA18F24FBD50973|title=4000 hours in reserve|publisher=www.raf.mod.uk|date=23 July 2008}}</ref>
| style="text-align:center" | 21
| style="text-align:center" | 21
| [[Registered General Nurse|State registered nurse]]
| [[Registered General Nurse|State registered nurse]]
| Pilot on [[English Electric Canberra|Canberra]] then [[Air navigation|navigator]] on [[Panavia Tornado|Tornado]] ([[Kosovo War|Kosovo Campaign]], [[Operation Telic]])
|-
|-
| Martin Oxborrow
| Martin Oxborrow<ref>{{cite news|url= http://www.itv.com/news/wales/2013-03-11/wales-this-week-social-insecurity/|title=Wales This Week, Social Insecurity|publisher=ITV News|date=11 March 2013}}</ref>
| style="text-align:center" | 25
| style="text-align:center" | 25
| [[Armourer#United Kingdom|Weapons technician]] at [[RAF Marham]]
| [[Armourer#United Kingdom|Weapons technician]] at [[RAF Marham]]
| Pilot on [[Lockheed C-130 Hercules|Hercules]] ([[Falklands War]], [[1983–85 famine in Ethiopia|Ethiopia famine]])
|-
|-
| Alistair Stewart
| Alistair Stewart
| style="text-align:center" | 22
| style="text-align:center" | 22
| [[Zoologist]]
| [[Zoologist]]
| -
|-
|-
| Trevor Lewis
| Trevor Lewis
| style="text-align:center" | 19
| style="text-align:center" | 19
| [[Aircraft maintenance technician|Technician]] at [[RAF Odiham]]
| [[Aircraft maintenance technician|Technician]] at [[RAF Odiham]]
| -
|-
|-
| Rhoderick Smart
| Rhod Smart
| style="text-align:center" | 20
| style="text-align:center" | 20
| [[Aircraft maintenance technician|Air fitter]] on [[English Electric Lightning|Lightnings]] at [[RAF Binbrook]]
| Air fitter on [[English Electric Lightning|Lightnings]] at [[RAF Binbrook]]
| Navigator on [[McDonnell Douglas F-4 Phantom II|Phantom]]
|-
|-
|}
|}
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{| class="wikitable plainrowheaders" width="100%" style="margin-right: 0;"
{| class="wikitable plainrowheaders" width="100%" style="margin-right: 0;"
|-
|-
! style="background-color: #5D8AA8; color:#ffffff;"| Episode
! style="background-color: #3B586C; color:#ffffff;"| Episode
! style="background-color: #5D8AA8; color:#ffffff;"| Title
! style="background-color: #3B586C; color:#ffffff;"| Title
! style="background-color: #5D8AA8; color:#ffffff;"| Original Air Date
! style="background-color: #3B586C; color:#ffffff;"| Original Air Date
|-
|-
{{Episode list
{{Episode list
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|Title = Dreams
|Title = Dreams
|OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|1981|9|9|df=y}}
|OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|1981|9|9|df=y}}
|ShortSummary = The series begins in May 1978, when thirty-one applicants arrive at the [[Officer and Aircrew Selection Centre]] at [[RAF Biggin Hill]]. Part one of the selection process involves two days of aptitude and medical tests and interviews. Twenty-two candidates progress to part two of selection, which involves group exercises. Six of the candidates are offered pilot training.
|ShortSummary = The series begins in May 1978, when thirty-one applicants arrive at the [[Officer and Aircrew Selection Centre]] at [[RAF Biggin Hill]]. Six of the candidates are offered pilot training.
|LineColor = 5D8AA8
|LineColor = 3B586C
}}
}}
{{Episode list
{{Episode list
Line 84: Line 74:
|Title = Officers and Gentlemen
|Title = Officers and Gentlemen
|OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|1981|9|16|df=y}}
|OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|1981|9|16|df=y}}
|ShortSummary = In September 1978, the candidates arrive at the RAF Officer Cadet Training Unit at [[RAF Henlow]] for their 18 week officer training course.
|ShortSummary = In September 1978, the candidates arrive at the RAF Officer Cadet Training Unit at [[RAF Henlow]] for their 18-week officer training course.
|LineColor = 5D8AA8
|LineColor = 3B586C
}}
}}
{{Episode list
{{Episode list
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|Title = Graduation
|Title = Graduation
|OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|1981|9|23|df=y}}
|OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|1981|9|23|df=y}}
|ShortSummary = Five of the candidates graduate from the Officer Cadet Training Unit.
|ShortSummary = Rhod Smart does not pass officer training, but later on re-takes the course and passes. Alistair Stewart narrowly misses out on winning the Sword of Honour.
|LineColor = 5D8AA8
|LineColor = 3B586C
}}
}}
{{Episode list
{{Episode list
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|Title = Going Solo
|Title = Going Solo
|OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|1981|9|30|df=y}}
|OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|1981|9|30|df=y}}
|ShortSummary = In March 1979, the five officer cadets move to the Basic Flying Training School (BFTS) at [[RAF Linton-on-Ouse]], where they learn to fly the [[BAC Jet Provost|Jet Provost]]. One of the [[Qualified Flying Instructor|Qualified Flying Instructors]] (QFIs) on the course is [[Operation Black Buck#Black Buck One|Flt Lt Martin Withers]].
|ShortSummary = In March 1979, the five officer cadets move to the Basic Flying Training School (BFTS) at [[RAF Linton-on-Ouse]], where they learn to fly the [[BAC Jet Provost|Jet Provost]].
|LineColor = 5D8AA8
|LineColor = 3B586C
}}
}}
{{Episode list
{{Episode list
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|Title = Chopped
|Title = Chopped
|OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|1981|10|07|df=y}}
|OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|1981|10|07|df=y}}
|ShortSummary = All of the five candidates make their [[First solo flight|first solo flights]], but Trevor Lewis begins to demonstrate difficulties with landing. He is placed on review and given extra tuition from the chief instructor, but does not pass basic flying training.
|ShortSummary = All of the five candidates make their [[first solo flight]]s.
|LineColor = 5D8AA8
|LineColor = 3B586C
}}
}}
{{Episode list
{{Episode list
Line 112: Line 102:
|Title = Fear of Failing
|Title = Fear of Failing
|OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|1981|10|14|df=y}}
|OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|1981|10|14|df=y}}
|ShortSummary = Alistair Stewart leaves the course to train as a [[Air navigation|navigator]]. Martin Oxborrow passes and goes on to multi-engine flying training at RAF Finningley.
|ShortSummary = The candidates progress through the basic flying training course.
|LineColor = 5D8AA8
|LineColor = 3B586C
}}
}}
{{Episode list
{{Episode list
Line 119: Line 109:
|Title = Wings
|Title = Wings
|OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|1981|10|21|df=y}}
|OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|1981|10|21|df=y}}
|ShortSummary = In March 1980, John McCrea and Robbie Low move to the Advanced Flying School at [[RAF Valley]] for 21 weeks of advanced flying training on the [[BAE Systems Hawk|Hawk T.1]]. Both candidates pass the course and qualify for their [[Aircrew brevet|wings]]. Robbie Low moves to the [[English Electric Canberra|Canberra]] Operational Conversion Unit (OCU) at RAF Marham.
|ShortSummary = In March 1980, the remaining candidates move to the Advanced Flying School at [[RAF Valley]] for 21 weeks of advanced flying training on the [[BAE Systems Hawk|Hawk T.1]].
|LineColor = 5D8AA8
|LineColor = 3B586C
}}
}}
{{Episode list
{{Episode list
Line 126: Line 116:
|Title = Sport of Kings
|Title = Sport of Kings
|OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|1981|10|28|df=y}}
|OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|1981|10|28|df=y}}
|ShortSummary = In October 1980, John McCrea moves to the Tactical Weapons Unit (TWU) at [[RAF Brawdy]], to learn the art of [[Aerial warfare|aerial warfare]] on the Hawk. He passes the course and in May 1981, moves to the [[Blackburn Buccaneer|Buccaneer]] OCU at [[RAF Honington]]. After completion of the course he is posted to [[No. 15 Squadron RAF|XV Squadron]], based at [[RAF Laarbruch]] in Germany.
|ShortSummary = In October 1980, the remaining candidates moves to the Tactical Weapons Unit (TWU) at [[RAF Brawdy]], to learn the art of [[aerial warfare]] on the Hawk.
|LineColor = 5D8AA8
|LineColor = 3B586C
}}
}}
|}
|}


==Book==
==Book==
A book of the television series was produced by Colin Strong and co-written with the author, [[Duff Hart-Davis]].<ref>{{cite book |last = Strong |first = Colin |authorlink = |author2=Duff Hart-Davis|year = 1981 |title = Fighter Pilot |publisher = Queen Anne Press |isbn = 0-362-00578-8 |page = 167}}</ref>
A book of the television series was produced by Colin Strong and co-written with the author, [[Duff Hart-Davis]].<ref>{{cite book |last = Strong |first = Colin |author2=Duff Hart-Davis|year = 1981 |title = Fighter Pilot |publisher = Queen Anne Press |isbn = 0-362-00578-8 |page = 167}}</ref>


==References==
==References==
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{{DEFAULTSORT:Fighter Pilot (TV Series)}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Fighter Pilot (TV Series)}}
[[Category:1981 British television series debuts]]
[[Category:1981 British television series endings]]
[[Category:1980s British documentary television series]]
[[Category:BBC television documentaries]]
[[Category:BBC television documentaries]]
[[Category:Documentary films about military aviation]]
[[Category:British military aviation]]
[[Category:1980s British television miniseries]]
[[Category:Documentary television series about aviation]]
[[Category:British aviation television series]]
[[Category:British English-language television shows]]
[[Category:Television series about the Royal Air Force]]

Latest revision as of 02:32, 8 December 2024

Fighter Pilot
GenreDocumentary
Reality television
Created byColin Strong
Narrated byMichael Dean
Theme music composerDon Percival
Country of originUnited Kingdom
Original languageEnglish
No. of episodes8
Production
Running time30 minutes
Original release
NetworkBBC One
Release9 September (1981-09-09) –
28 October 1981 (1981-10-28)

Fighter Pilot is a BBC television documentary series that was broadcast in the UK on BBC One, from 9 September to 28 October 1981.[1] It was about the training of fast jet pilots in the Royal Air Force and followed the progress of six candidates as they went through the three-year programme. The BBC and the RAF first agreed to work together on a documentary in 1978, when there was a poor level of recruitment and a shortage of pilots in the service. At the time it cost £1 million to train a pilot (£4 million in 2011[2]). The training process, from selection to operational service has a high drop-out rate and only one of the six original candidates went on to fly fast jets.

Three of the candidates were airmen who already served in the RAF, while the others were from civilian backgrounds (qualified nurse, zoologist and milkman/farm worker). The series was produced by Colin Strong, who closely followed the candidates for three-and-a-half years. To gain a detailed insight in to the process, he undertook the RAF basic flying training course himself and flew solo in a Jet Provost. The series was nominated for a BAFTA award in 1982 for Television Factual Series.

Candidates

[edit]
Candidate Age Background
John McCrea 22 Coalman, farm worker, milkman
Robbie Low 21 State registered nurse
Martin Oxborrow 25 Weapons technician at RAF Marham
Alistair Stewart 22 Zoologist
Trevor Lewis 19 Technician at RAF Odiham
Rhod Smart 20 Air fitter on Lightnings at RAF Binbrook

Episodes

[edit]
Episode Title Original Air Date
1"Dreams"9 September 1981 (1981-09-09)
The series begins in May 1978, when thirty-one applicants arrive at the Officer and Aircrew Selection Centre at RAF Biggin Hill. Six of the candidates are offered pilot training.
2"Officers and Gentlemen"16 September 1981 (1981-09-16)
In September 1978, the candidates arrive at the RAF Officer Cadet Training Unit at RAF Henlow for their 18-week officer training course.
3"Graduation"23 September 1981 (1981-09-23)
Five of the candidates graduate from the Officer Cadet Training Unit.
4"Going Solo"30 September 1981 (1981-09-30)
In March 1979, the five officer cadets move to the Basic Flying Training School (BFTS) at RAF Linton-on-Ouse, where they learn to fly the Jet Provost.
5"Chopped"7 October 1981 (1981-10-07)
All of the five candidates make their first solo flights.
6"Fear of Failing"14 October 1981 (1981-10-14)
The candidates progress through the basic flying training course.
7"Wings"21 October 1981 (1981-10-21)
In March 1980, the remaining candidates move to the Advanced Flying School at RAF Valley for 21 weeks of advanced flying training on the Hawk T.1.
8"Sport of Kings"28 October 1981 (1981-10-28)
In October 1980, the remaining candidates moves to the Tactical Weapons Unit (TWU) at RAF Brawdy, to learn the art of aerial warfare on the Hawk.

Book

[edit]

A book of the television series was produced by Colin Strong and co-written with the author, Duff Hart-Davis.[3]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ "Fighter Pilot – Episode 1 – "Dreams" 1981 BBC". YouTube. Retrieved 21 November 2015.
  2. ^ "RAF fast jet pilots: £4m training scheme selects only the most talented airmen". Retrieved 13 April 2011.
  3. ^ Strong, Colin; Duff Hart-Davis (1981). Fighter Pilot. Queen Anne Press. p. 167. ISBN 0-362-00578-8.
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