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When Speed Counts

Episode 4 of 5

A look at the skies above us. Martin is preparing to compete for the Schneider Trophy, where 14 pilots will fly wing to wing around outlying islands in Alderney.

Racing champion Martin is a member of the oldest flying club in Britain, the Royal Aero Club. He is preparing to compete for the Schneider Trophy, where 14 pilots will fly wing to wing around outlying islands in Alderney in the Channel Islands. The hair-raising race attracts an eclectic mix of pilots, from Geoffrey, a baron, to dentist Roger, who has bought his first plane especially for the race.

Cargo pilot Mark flies solo from the Isle of Man to Dublin to East Midlands daily in his Piper Navajo plane, delivering anything from fresh flowers to human remains. His schedule is so tight that even during bad weather he must cross the Irish sea.

East Midlands Airport is the cargo hub that connects the whole of Britain to the world beyond. A hundred and fifty thousand parcels run through DHL's warehouse each night. Graham, a senior sorter, must make sure his team can respond when a crucial conveyor belt breaks down, while senior loader Tony Parkinson works against the clock to load thousands of parcels onto cargo flights.

At NATS, bad weather grounds planes and dangerous wind sheer causes pilots to abort landings, wrecking the carefully planned landing and take-off schedule.

59 minutes

Last on

Wed 2 Jun 2021 20:00

Clip

Music Played

  • Paul Bateman, City of Prague Philharmonic Orchestra

    Waltz

Credits

Role Contributor
Production Company The Garden Productions Ltd
Executive Producer Chloe Solomon
Series Producer Dollan Cannell
Producer Chris Taylor
Director Chris Taylor
Producer Emma Whitehead
Participant Steve Moore
Participant Mark Penarski
Participant Tony Parkinson
Participant Martin Gosling
Participant Graham Bakewell
Participant Chris Daniels
Participant Roger Scholes
Participant Baron Boot
Participant Baroness Boot

Broadcasts