Parents' Guide to

Air Emergency

By Emily Ashby, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 16+

Graphic docuseries is too intense for kids.

TV National Geographic Channel Educational 2003
Air Emergency Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

What you will—and won't—find in this TV show.

Community Reviews

See all
age 10+

Based on 1 parent review

Magic Carpet
Magic Carpet Adult
February 12, 2022
age 10+

Air Emergency

There is no inconvenient for kids, there is a lot of positivity.

This title has:

Great messages
Great role models
See all 1 parent review

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?

Our review:
Parents say (1 ):
Kids say (3 ):

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.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about how aircraft industry professionals train for possible emergencies. What expertise do safety personnel, air traffic controllers, pilots, and flight attendants have? How can they keep cool heads under pressure? How do emergency workers on the ground prepare for emergencies? Is a program like this exploiting a painful experience, or using it as a teaching tool? What's the difference? Parents may also want to discuss the statistical likelihood of experiencing such an emergency, since teens may need some reassurance, especially if they ever travel by air on their own.

TV Details

Did we miss something on diversity?

Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by suggesting a diversity update.

Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners.

See how we rate