How Movies Portray Pilots

by Adrian Johansen

As of 2019, there were over 127,000 airline and commercial pilots in the United States. That might not seem like many, but it also tends to prove the point that pilots have often been revered. Things look a bit different today. But, there was a time in which being a pilot was an extremely prestigious and classy job. 

So, it’s no surprise that pilots have been portrayed countless times on film. Some performances are more accurate than others, and some showcase exactly how the airline industry and piloting have changed over the years. 

Who has gotten it right? From movies like Red Tails focusing on WWII pilots to the cult classic Airplane! where an average Joe has to fly the plane, there is no shortage of movies focusing on air travel and those in the cockpit. Let’s look at how pilots have been portrayed in film over the years and how accurate those portrayals really are by today’s standards. 

The Past

One of the best portrayals of pilots of the past comes from Leonardo DiCaprio in Catch Me if You Can. Because the film is based on a true story, it allows the audience to step back in time, where DiCaprio’s character manages to deceive everyone into thinking he’s a licensed commercial airline pilot. 

One of the most interesting scenes in the movie occurs when he is walking through the airport in full uniform, with flight attendants in tow, following him as though he was a major celebrity. 

But, is that realistic? Yes!

In the early 1960s, the airline industry was considered glamorous and luxurious. It was considered the “golden age for air travel,” and certain expectations had to be met, including: 

• Pilots and attendants dressed in uniform or nice clothing

• Attendants having their hair/makeup done a specific way

• High costs for flights

• In-flight activities

• Smoking and drinking for entertainment

While the 2002 film didn’t capture every aspect of the industry at that moment in history, it did give us a glimpse of how glamorous it truly was. 

The Present

More recent films have shown some of the issues pilots face, and have taken a more serious tone. For starters, there is currently a pilot shortage affecting the country. Boeing estimates that over 700,000 commercial pilots will be needed to fulfill travel demands by 2039. Keep in mind that in 2019, there were only 127,000. That’s a lot of ground to cover in a very short time. 

Several factors play into the current pilot shortage, including: 

• The cost of training

• Wages

• Airlines reducing costs

The pandemic has also had an impact on pilots. Many were furloughed at the beginning of COVID-19 as air traffic all but completely shut down. While many pilots have/will return to work, others may pursue different career paths or make a big change. 

Pilots in recent years have also faced some scrutiny and stress. We can look at 2016’s Sully to learn more about that. Tom Hanks played respected airline pilot Chesley “Sully” Sullenberger, who was touted by the media as a hero for safely landing a damaged plane on the Hudson River. The movie dives deeper into that story, showing what Sully went through after the fact, including going through a court process and nearly losing his piloting license. 

While the movie is only based on the story, pilots are questioned all of the time for the choices they make. That fear and uncertainty might keep the job numbers down. 

The Reality of Being a Pilot – Who Gets it Right? 

Many films get piloting right. They just aren’t always “pretty.” We mentioned above the fact that pilots have to be prepared to be questioned about their actions at any moment. There is a lot of stress that goes along with the job. People’s lives are in their hands every day.

One film that portrays how that stress can lead to anxiety and depression in a pilot is The Aviator. It’s another great performance by DiCaprio, depicting the legendary Howard Hughes and how he struggled with mental health issues as he rose to fame. The film also depicts Hughes’s relationship with Katharine Hepburn and how his struggles with depression affected it. Being in a relationship with someone with depression or anxiety is no easy task. There are regular challenges and communication can be an issue. 

Unfortunately, if a pilot is struggling with their mental health and they don’t get help, the cycle will continue to get work as stress and pressure keep mounting. 

There are dozens of great films about the airline industry, aviation, and the men and women in the cockpit. If you’re at all interested in flying, check out some of these films or do your own research whether you want something funny, dramatic, or realistic. The sky’s the limit!