7 Flight Movies That Will Motivate You To Pursue Your Aviation Career!

You’re reading this article because you love flying and the stories associated with conquering the skies. Still, it doesn’t hurt to have a little motivation.

The truth is, film producers have long been intrigued with movies with flight plotlines in them. And this has prevailed across various genres like epic war dramas, sci-fi, and hilarious comedies. 

So, we went ahead and compiled a very impressive list of movies about the theme. We omitted some more technical documentaries so that you can get motivated, not overwhelmed. 

So without further ado, let’s start!

Sully (2016)

Life as a pilot is not always exciting and fun. People who fly planes must have nerves of steel. After a flock of geese hit his flight, Captain Chesley “Sully” Sullenberger (“Tom Hanks”) attempts to land in an emergency in New York. 

The movie is based on an actual incident and takes us inside the cockpit during the event and into Sully’s life afterward.

LA to Vegas (2018)

Many airlines have first-class sections with fancy bars and walk-in bathrooms. These luxury additions are not available in LA to Vegas. The show starred Dylan McDermott and Kim Matula. 

After one season, the sitcom was canceled. It follows the crew of a low-cost airline that flies between Los Angeles and Las Vegas. They deal with rowdy passengers, party animals, and other passengers.

Pan Am (2011)

While flying internationally is something that we take for granted nowadays, it used to be extraordinary back in the 1960s. 

The drama is set in the 1960s and follows the lives and experiences of Pan American World Airways pilots and flight attendants as they deal with love, loss, and hair-raising incidents onboard. 

Although you won’t be able to get a true sense of being a pilot from this series, it will give you an idea of what it was like back then.

Top Gun (1986)

If you want to experience the life of a fighter pilot (aka the rock stars in aviation), is there a better movie than this one? Tom Cruise plays Maverick, a pilot who is sent to flight training. 

His reckless personality and cocky attitude made him a problem with other pilots and instructors like Charlotte “Charlie,” a civilian instructor and scientist. 

Amelia (2009)

This biopic is about Amelia Earhart, who became the first woman to solo fly over the Atlantic Ocean. Although the film received mixed reviews and was criticized for historical errors, it offers a glimpse into early aviation through the eyes of a woman pilot. 

Undoubtedly, the mystery surrounding Earhart’s death is unanswerable. As she attempted to circumnavigate the globe, her plane vanished over the Pacific Ocean.

The Dam Busters (1955).

The Dam Busters is based on actual events from the second world conflict. It tells of British efforts to destroy German industries by bombing their dams. 

Engineer Barnes Wallis devises a bomb that is more effective against German dams. However, he struggles to be taken seriously. The mission is successful, and Barnes Wallis’ plan is accepted. 

The action is thrilling, but the film is most famous for being the inspiration behind Star Wars IV: A New Hope’s bombing run against the first Death Star.

Air Crash Investigation (2003 and ongoing)

Although flying by airplane is statistically safer than driving, we still have a fascination with the accidents that occur in the air. Even the most aspiring pilots will not be able to look away at the horrific accidents and disasters shown on the US TV program Air Crash Investigation. 

This series examines the worst cases of air crashes and disasters around the globe using transcripts, interviews, and reports to find out what happened.

Final Word

There have been excellent pilots in the past who have achieved fantastic feats in the past. If you’re an aspiring pilot, you may have it in yourself too!

 

All you have to do is join the right commercial airline pilot school and kickstart your aviation journey! You’ll learn all the effort it takes to conquer the skies. 

 

So, watch these movies, get motivated and then get going!