An American Adventure - The Rocket Pilots (1981)

A comprehensive documentary covering the history of aviation high speed innovation and advancement from the first powered flights of the Wright brothers up to and including the X-15 space plane. An emphasis is placed on the adventures and stories of the test pilots of Edwards Air Force Base, and how engineers of the era helped to develop the hardware and technical data that were eventually used by NASA in the design of the Space Shuttle.
Presented by Lloyd Dobyns for NBC News.

[@coolcat6303]

I recorded this onto VHS back in the late 80’s/90’s and haven’t watched it in years. So nice to see this on RUclips. And despite the dated music & narration, it’s still one of my favorites to this day..

[@Retr0Silicon]

I watched this religously as a young boy. Also had this on VHS recorded. The memories I have of this and the X-15 are profound...

[@vinodude99]

I too had this recorded on VHS. Nice to know I wasn't the only techno geek fascinated by this documentary!

[@jedigrandvelle8844]

I remembered this documentary when it first played on NBC back in '81.

[@randyshoquist7726]

Captured from VHS? Not bad for what it is, but I wish NBC would release it in a high resolution format. I loved Lloyd Robyns' reports. And so it goes.

[@dankurina9191]

Wow. I was looking specifically for this documentary which I first saw way back yeah like the 80's for sure. Awesome!

[@juliangerardcascio1111]

That was Good, and Great Men Too ! The x-15 !!

[@tonylockhart1963]

I’d pay handsomely to attend such an air show.

[@gjgifigogjdyeyyeoh3940]

🌐🌏🏟🎗🎖🎗🎖