Fighter Pilot: The Real Top Gun

Season 1

Hang onto your ejector seats as this nail-biting BBC documentary follows fighter pilot recruits as they battle it out to be selected to fly the British Royal Air Force's brand new F35 Lightning jet. With exclusive access, this series gives a breathtaking, cockpit-eye view of the hopefuls stepping into the danger zone as they aim to achieve their dreams of becoming Top Guns.

20193 episodes

TV-14

Special Interest

Free trial of BBC Select

Episode number
Newest episodes
Available to watch

S1 E1 - Episode 1
August 19, 2019
46min
TV-G
The F-35 Lightning II stealth fighter jet is one of the world's most sophisticated aircraft. But who will be chosen to fly this formidable vehicle? In this invigorating BBC documentary, three pilots battle it out for the chance to fly this multi-million pound fighter. Can Danielle, one of only a handful of prospective female fighter pilots, outmaneuver her colleagues?
Free trial of BBC Select
S1 E2 - Episode 2
August 26, 2019
46min
TV-G
The fighter pilot students at Britain's very own academy for Top Guns turn their attention to dogfighting. As this thrilling BBC documentary reveals, air combat is a key skill if they want to reach their goal of flying solo, and eventually master the brand new F35 Lightning aircraft. But will lone female pilot Danielle's safety mistakes put her chances of advancement in jeopardy?
Free trial of BBC Select
S1 E3 - Episode 3
September 2, 2019
46min
TV-14
The pressure mounts as the hunt for Britain's very own Top Gun reaches the final stages. As this gripping BBC documentary concludes, the pilots find out which of them, if any, will be selected to fly the new F35 Lightning fighter jet. But a huge mistake by one of the hopefuls could jeopardize their chances. Will any of them be taking to the skies in the cockpit of the stealth fighter?
Free trial of BBC Select