The Flying Boats

The story of flying boats is one of ingenuity and enterprise; of style during the dying days of Britain's imperial grandeur; of Coastal Command's war against the U-boats and of post-war skepticism that hastened their end. For all those who flew in them the flying boats were unique and unforgettable.

Overview Credits Watch Reviews Seasons Images Videos Recommendations Similar

Created By

Status

Ended

Original Name

The Flying Boats

First Air Date

December 1, 1980

Last Air Date

December 15, 1980

Seasons

Episodes

Language

English

Production Companies

BBC TV South

Networks

BBC Two

S01E03

Part III

In the Second World War the flying boats of RAF Coastal Command played a crucial part in the war at sea. In peacetime they became part of the BOAC fleet on the re-opened Empire routes, but their civilian role was short-lived. Bigger airports and larger runways meant bigger and faster land-planes, and the flying boat was redundant. The last to be built in 1952 was the Princess, the largest aircraft in the world at the time; she lived for only one year. David Lomax concludes the story of the flying boats - a story many believe should have no ending.

View Episodes