The Magic of Flight includes interviews with Blue Angels pilots and footage from a Blue Angels practice session. From the view inside the cockpit of a ``Blues'' F/A-18 jet, visitors will experience the tension of tearing through the air at 600 mph and witness the concise and controlled movements of the pilots, where even one-eighth of an inch can be the difference between flight and free fall. Visitors will fly along in a classic delta formation, fly upside down and even experience a vertical roll.
Narrated by Tom Selleck, The Magic of Flight also examines what forces keep an airplane in the air and reviews the success of the Wright brothers' first flight in 1903. From earlier flight ventures to modern aviation, audiences are introduced to high-performance jets and the variety and versatility of today's flying machines. Visitors will see how a Harrier jet can mimic a bird's landing and take-off. The jet can be delicately maneuvered at slow speeds yet is also capable of reaching speeds of 500 mph. Visitors will also see how naval aviators, with the ability to fly up to 1,300 mph, can precisely land on an aircraft carrier, considered the most difficult maneuver in all of aviation.
MacGillivray Freeman Films produced The Magic of Flight and learned that capturing the exciting aerial photography, including the Blue Angels footage was a challenge. The film crew, with the assistance of McDonnell Douglas Aerospace, the U.S. Navy and the Department of Defense; worked together to create two interior and two exterior camera mounts. Navy pilots operated the cameras with a switch on the throttle. The jets had to be rewired, a time consuming and complicated task, to capture the action.
Admission to The Magic Of Flight is $5.50/adults; $4.50/6 to 13 year olds and seniors 65 and over; and $3.50/2 to 5 year olds. For just $2.00 more, thrill seekers can add Super Speedway: Racing with the Andrettis and see the fastest double feature in Seattle. IMAX(R) matinees are $2.00 with paid admission to Pacific Science Center. For more information, call Pacific Science Center at 206-443-2001 or the IMAX(R) hotline at 206-443-IMAX. Private screenings and group discounts: 206-443-3625. Web site: www.pacsci.org. Pacific Science Center is located under the arches near the Space Needle.
NOTE: IMAX(R) is a registered trademark of Imax Corporation.