What’s the Story?

AIR EMERGENCY documents the events leading up to some of the most high-profile aircraft crises in recent history, including the 1999 crash of EgyptAir flight 990. Actors re-create scenes from the point of view of pilots, passengers, and ground personnel while the series offers a near minute-by-minute recount of how the emergencies played out. Interviews with survivors and victims' family and friends offer personal glances at the traumas -- both physical and emotional -- suffered by those involved in the tragedies. Computer-generated images portray crashes and offer a close look at mechanical mishaps, and video footage and photos are used when they're available. Experts weigh in with their views on contributing factors like weather, errant technology, and the professional judgment used by pilots and air traffic controllers, while investigators describe the efforts that followed each disaster.

Is It Any Good?

While the series rates high on the intrigue scale -- playing to many people's need for facts and reason in the face of terrible crises -- viewers need to know that much of the subject matter can be emotionally disturbing, even for adults. Dramatized scenes of passengers screaming and crying and pilots scrambling to control a diving plane are very intense, as are the realistic computer images of fiery crashes. Video footage shows aircraft wreckage falling from the sky, bodies covered by sheets, and the anguish of mourning family members.

In short, Air Emergency isn't a good choice for young viewers or for anyone who's even slightly squeamish about air travel, as it will seem to confirm nervous passengers' worst fears. Parents would be wise even to preview the show before allowing teens to watch to make sure the content won't be too upsetting for them.

Have you seen it?

TV Show Details

TV Rating

TV-G

Network

National Geographic Channel

Cast

Stephen Bogaert

Genre

Educational

Where to watch

National Geographic Channel

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