Legends of Airpower
Fifty-two men and women who made America's air power the most respected in the world are profiled in this award-winning series. The series features exclusive interviews with Legends such as Chuck Yeager, Jim Lovell, Buzz Aldrin, and Paul Tibbetts. Spanning the first century of flight, Legends of Airpower effortlessly relates the life and times of these heroes.
- 1999-2003
- 4 seasons
- Hargrove Entertainment
- Documentary
Fifty-two men and women who made America's air power the most respected in the world are profiled in this award-winning series. The series features exclusive interviews with Legends such as Chuck Yeager, Jim Lovell, Buzz Aldrin, and Paul Tibbetts. Spanning the first century of flight, Legends of Airpower effortlessly relates the life and times of these heroes.
Season 2 Episode Guide
13 Episodes 2002
Episode 1
John McCain
Tue, Aug 18, 2026 23 mins
John Alison was a kid from central Florida who dreamed of becoming a pilot, and grew up to be one of the best the United States ever produced. But Alison also traveled secretly with the highest level diplomats in the world, drove the getaway car when Americans fled the Nazi advance through Russia, and without orders set up a critical lend-lease supply to the Middle East.
Episode 2
Charles McGee
Tue, Aug 18, 2026 23 mins
The son of a preacher man, Charles McGee believed that education was the key to equal opportunities for all races. He joined the Army Air Force at a time when its policies reflected the belief that blacks were incapable of succeeding in technologically complicated jobs. Without fanfare, McGee and his fellow Tuskegee Airmen proved the bigots wrong.
Episode 3
Robert Morgan
Sat, Feb 2, 2002
Robert Morgan, a charming ladies' man, became a combat pilot in WWII. He led the Memphis Belle on 25 successful missions without losing a crew member.
Episode 4
Carl "Tooey" Spaatz
Sun, Mar 3, 2002
Carl "Tooey" Spaatz was a free-spirited aviator who shaped the modern Air Force, training WWI pilots and pioneering air-to-air refueling, earning Eisenhower's praise.
Episode 5
Buzz Aldrin
Sun, Mar 3, 2002
Buzz Aldrin, known for Apollo 11, was a Korean War Sabre pilot who shot down three Mig-15s. After MIT, he dedicated his life to making space travel accessible to all.
Episode 6
Kelly Johnson
Sun, Mar 3, 2002
Kelly Johnson joined Lockheed as a tool designer and became a top aircraft designer, developing over 40 aircraft, including the U-2 and F-104, and leading "Skunk Works."
Episode 7
John Alison
Sun, Mar 3, 2002
John Alison, a Florida kid turned top U.S. pilot, secretly traveled with diplomats, drove getaway cars from Nazis, and set up vital Middle East supplies. A true hero.
Episode 8
Charles Lindbergh
Sun, Mar 3, 2002
Charles Lindbergh, the first man to fly solo across the Atlantic, became a symbol of American ingenuity and bravery, facing unprecedented celebrity and media scrutiny.
Episode 9
Jackie Cochran
Sun, Mar 3, 2002
Starting as beautician Bessie Mae Pittman, Jackie Cochran became a celebrated aviator, setting 17 world records and founding the Women's Air Force Service Pilots.
Episode 10
Eileen Collins
Sun, Mar 3, 2002
From Elmira, NY, Eileen Collins became the first female instructor pilot and space shuttle commander of STS-93, earning her place as a Legend of Airpower.
Episode 11
Francis Gary Powers
Sun, Mar 3, 2002
In 1960, U-2 pilot Francis Gary Powers was shot down and captured in Russia. The U.S. demanded his return, but he was sentenced to ten years, escalating Cold War tensions.
Episode 12
William Tunner
Sun, Mar 3, 2002
William Tunner, a New Jersey native, commanded the Air Force's Ferrying Division, delivering 71,000 tons to China during conflict and leading the Berlin Airlift.
Episode 13
The Wright Brothers
Sun, Mar 3, 2002
The Wright Brothers may seem comical in three-piece suits, but they pioneered aeronautics, enabling human flight and inspiring all aircraft to follow.