The Aircraft-Spotter’s Film and Television Companion

Ever wondered how many aircraft were converted into Japanese Zeroes and torpedo bombers for Tora! Tora! Tora! or how French Gazelle helicopters were modified for the title role in Blue Thunder? This first of its kind reference book lists aircraft featured in 350 films and television shows, providing brief individual histories, film locations, serial numbers and registrations. Aircraft are also cross-referenced by manufacturer. Appendices provide brief bios on pilots and technicians, information on aircraft collections owned by Tallmantz Aviation and Blue Max Aviation and film credits for U.S. aircraft carriers.

Simon D. Beck has had a life long passion for aviation and cinema history. He works in the television industry and lives in Christchurch, New Zealand.

Simon D. Beck
Format: softcover (7 x 10)
Pages: 360
Bibliographic Info: 87 photos, appendices, bibliography
Copyright Date: 2016
pISBN: 978-1-4766-6349-4
eISBN: 978-1-4766-2293-4
Imprint: McFarland

Abbreviations  viii
Preface  1
Foreword by James H. Farmer  3
Introduction  5
Section One—Feature Films  7
Section Two—Selected Television
Series and TV Movies  225
Section Three—Aircraft Manufacturers  239
Appendix I: Aviation Film Pilots and Technicians  339
Appendix II: Tallmantz Aviation, Inc.  344
Appendix III: Blue Max Aviation Ltd.  347
Appendix IV: U.S. Aircraft Carriers on Film  348
References and Bibliography  350

• “Painstakingly researched book…highly recommended”—ARBA
• “Contains a significant body of data and information brought together in one place for the first time, making it an invaluable database and reference work…excellent…I thoroughly salute and congratulate Mr. Beck for the time and effort he has put into producing this book. To me it’s simply awe-inspiring and I’d thoroughly recommend this book to anyone interested in watching movies with an aviation theme, as it’s an ideal movie companion”—Aviation News
• “Fascinating…meticulously researched and well organized”—Bond Lifestyle
• “This book will answer the questions you have always had, but were resigned to never finding out! A first of its kind reference book which covers 350 films and television shows…. Next time you pull us a couch and settle in to watch your favorite aviation themed movie, make sure you have a copy of this book handy!”—Classic Wings