Chasing Planes, Season One from Air Assets International is an exciting and riveting documentary series that follows the aviation adventures of Gordon R. Page and Beau Kiger as they scour the world in search of unique, rare and high-performance airplanes. The show, which is divided into ten episodes, takes viewers on a thrilling journey across some of the most remote locations on the planet as the duo attempts to locate and purchase airplanes for their clients. The series showcases the different types of aircraft, the complex negotiations that take place, and showcases the efforts made by the team in restoring the planes to their original state.
The show opens with a brief overview of the aviation industry and the reasons for the increasing demand for rare planes. The viewers are then introduced to the main characters, Gordon R. Page and Beau Kiger. Gordon, a former military pilot, is the founder and CEO of Air Assets International, while Beau is a seasoned aviation expert with vast experience in identifying, evaluating, and acquiring rare planes.
The first episode delves into the problems the two pilots face while determining the worth of each plane, such as the plane's scrap value, the cost to return it to flying condition, its sentimental value to its owner, and its scarcity. Over the course of the season, the team travels all over the world, including Africa and Europe, as they conduct in-depth interviews with airplane owners, mechanics, and other key figures within the industry.
One of the show's standout episode revolves around the team's experience of locating and purchasing a WWII Spitfire fighter jet, which was discovered in Europe. The fighters are incredibly rare and sought after collectors' items, and the episode follows Gordon and Beau's efforts in securing and restoring this valuable piece of aviation history. Another episode showcases the purchase and restoration of a Junkers Ju-52 tri-motor aircraft, which had been misplaced during the war and then rediscovered almost a century later.
One of the unique aspects of the series is the attention to the technical details involved in the restoration of the aircraft. The team members discuss how they analyze the aesthetics of the planes, inspect the engines, analyze the pilot's cockpit, and run diagnostic tests to see how the aircraft will fly. They later showcase the extensive restoration processes that take place, so that each purchase is returned to its former glory.
The series also explores the financial implications of the aircraft industry, with a heavy focus on the cost of buying, restoring, and selling the planes. This educational side of the series compliments the visuals, providing additional insight into the financial and logistical difficulties of the industry.
Finally, the documentary presents a real human element to its stories. The show displays the passion, hard work, and determination of the two central figures, as well as the entire team involved in the acquisition and restoration of the planes. There are times when the team is confronted with perplexing legal barriers and seemingly impossible mechanical issues. However, their dedication to bringing these planes back to life is a testament to their profound love for aviation.
In conclusion, Chasing Planes, Season One from Air Assets International is an engaging and insightful documentary series that gives viewers an entertaining and educational look at the aviation industry. The show balances the technical aspects of evaluating and restoring aircraft with the human element, focusing on the passion and determination of those involved. The breathtakingly-beautiful planes from the golden era of aviation are the perfect complement to the thrilling journeys taken by the team.
Chasing Planes, Season One is a series that ran for 1 seasons (6 episodes) between June 3, 2017 and on Air Assets International
