Plot Synopsis

MIGHTY PLANES explores the art and science of aviation. From preparation, loading and take off, through the journey and to the landing and unloading, this 60-minute documentary series reveals the high-stakes and high-stress jobs through the eyes and lives of the characters that make it all happen. The Smithsonian Channel aired the U.S. series premiere on Sunday, January 13, 2013 at 8pm ET.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
MIGHTY PLANES returned for its six-episode third season on Smithsonian Channel on Sunday, November 6, 2016 at 8pm ET/PT. The season premiere, MIGHTY PLANES: CP-140 AURORA follows a challenging mission of what's known as Canada's "James Bond 007" spy plane. With its updated technology and spy toys, the CP-140 has to work in tandem with two Sea King helicopters to track and destroy a hidden submarine, but the flight crew runs into unforeseen challenges along the way. Subsequent episodes feature: the T-38, nicknamed "the White Rocket," because it is able to climb 30,000 feet per minute with a top speed of 820 mph; the CC-115 Buffalo, which is the Canadian Air Force's go-to aircraft for search and rescue; NASA's massive cargo hauler, the Super Guppy, which gave NASA its competitive edge during the Space Race and played a huge part in landing the first man on the moon; Nolinor Aviation's 737-200C, called the "Workhorse of the North," which not only does short-haul flights throughout North America and Europe, but she also delivers essential food, cargo, and workers to the Meadowbank gold mine in northern Canada; and more.