Sky-High Achievements: Documentaries on Aviation Records

Description: Although more of a disaster film, it includes real footage of the Concorde, showcasing its speed and the record-breaking transatlantic flights it made.

Fact: The film features real Concorde pilots and crew, adding authenticity to the aviation scenes.

Description: While not strictly a documentary, this film is based on the true story of the first astronauts selected for Project Mercury, highlighting their training and the breaking of the space barrier, an extension of aviation records.

Fact: The film won four Academy Awards, including Best Original Score.

Description: Though a biopic, this film provides a detailed look at Howard Hughes' life, including his aviation records and innovations, like the H-4 Hercules (Spruce Goose).

Fact: The film was nominated for 11 Academy Awards, winning five, including Best Cinematography.

Description: While focusing on the iconic WWII fighter plane, this documentary also touches on the pilots who flew them, many of whom set records for speed and endurance during the war.

Fact: The film features interviews with surviving WWII Spitfire pilots.

Description: This film tells the story of Florence Lowe "Pancho" Barnes, a pioneering aviator who broke gender barriers and set numerous aviation records.

Fact: The documentary includes rare footage and interviews with people who knew Pancho personally.

Description: This documentary focuses on the Van Nuys Airport and its role in general aviation, featuring interviews with pilots who have set various records in their personal aircraft.

Fact: The film was entirely funded by its director, Brian J. Terwilliger, who is also an avid pilot.

Description: This documentary explores the lives of Orville and Wilbur Wright, detailing their journey from bicycle mechanics to the inventors of the first successful airplane, setting the stage for all future aviation records.

Fact: The film was produced with the cooperation of the Wright family, providing access to personal archives and diaries.

Description: This classic film captures the intense efforts to break the sound barrier, focusing on the Bell X-1 project and Chuck Yeager's historic flight in 1947, marking a pivotal moment in aviation history.

Fact: The film was one of the first to use actual footage of the X-1 aircraft in flight.

Description: This documentary follows the life of Bob Hoover, one of the greatest pilots of all time, known for his aerobatic feats and record-setting flights.

Fact: Bob Hoover himself narrates the film, providing personal insights into his career.

Description: This documentary captures the adrenaline-fueled world of the Red Bull Air Race, where pilots push the limits of speed and precision, setting new records in aerobatic flight.

Fact: The film includes behind-the-scenes footage of the races and interviews with top pilots.