Beginning April 28, television viewers can discover the joy and accomplishment of becoming a pilot through the new "Learning to Fly" series created for the Discovery Wings Channel by the Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) and its affiliate, the National Association of Flight Instructors (NAFI).

The 13-part series, produced by EAA Television, is the first program dedicated to showcasing the steps in earning a pilot's certificate.  Each half-hour episode follows the challenges and achievements of one student through each level of training with her flight instructor.  The series also shows viewers what is involved in flight training and how they can also take their first steps toward reaching their personal dreams of flight.

"We know that millions of people have considered learning to fly but have hesitated because they don't know what's necessary to reach that goal," said EAA President Tom Poberezny.  "EAA saw this series as essential to reaching those people with solid information and encouragement.  We hope through the series, EAA can welcome many new people to the very fulfilling world of flight."

The "Learning to Fly" series is the latest from EAA Television, which has regularly produced programming for such outlets as Discovery, ESPN and Speed Channel for more than a decade.  EAA TV has also created dozens of home video and instructional productions, including an annual production highlighting the EAA AirVenture fly-in convention in Oshkosh.  EAA's productions have won nearly 20 "Telly" awards honoring non-network programming, as well as other awards.

 Taping and production of the "Learning to Fly" series was based at the EAA Aviation Center in Oshkosh and the adjacent Wittman Regional Airport, home of the EAA AirVenture fly-in.  Actual flight instructors and students were featured to maintain the integrity of the flight training curriculum.

"The current trend and demand by TV audiences and cable outlets are for programs that feature real people meeting challenges and accomplishing goals," said series director Scott Guyette.  "The popularity of such programs makes us very enthusiastic that viewers will find the 'Learning to Fly' series extremely interesting and entertaining.  This is not a commercial 'reality' show, but instead a series that shows difficulties and achievements with everyday people along with expert guidance, similar to popular shows such as 'Junkyard Wars' or 'Trading Spaces.'"

Five original episodes will premiere April 28-May 2, with one new episode aired each evening at 8 p.m. (EDT).  Each episode will then be repeated at 11 p.m., 4 a.m., 7 a.m., noon and 3 p.m. during the next 24 hours.

FMI: www.eaa.org