Watch Ready to Fly

Ready to Fly is an inspirational sports documentary that follows the journey of three female pilots as they compete for a spot on the United States Aerobatic Team. The film centers on the 2010 Women's World Aerobatic Championship and the personal struggles, triumphs, and sacrifices that these pilots have to make in order to compete at the highest level.

The film features the stories of Patty Wagstaff, a three-time U.S. National Aerobatic Champion and an Airshow Hall of Fame inductee; Elena Kagan, a Ukrainian-born pilot who moved to the United States to pursue her dream of flying; and Lynn Bowes, a former flight attendant who discovered her passion for aerobatics later in life.

The documentary highlights the physical and mental demands of competitive aerobatics, including the hours of training required to master the intricate maneuvers and the focus, discipline, and nerves of steel required to perform them flawlessly in front of judges.

Throughout the film, we see each pilot confront her own personal challenges while preparing for the competition. Patty, a seasoned veteran of the sport, struggles to balance her intense training schedule with her responsibilities as a business owner and a mother. Elena faces the daunting task of adjusting to life in a new country and dealing with the pressure of representing her adopted homeland. And Lynn, who suffered a devastating crash during a practice flight, grapples with the fear that comes with getting back in the cockpit.

Despite these obstacles, each pilot perseveres with fortitude and grace, and the film gives us a glimpse into what it takes to be a champion in a sport where the margins between success and failure are razor-thin.

The documentary also touches on the gender disparities that exist in aviation and the challenges that female pilots face in a male-dominated industry. The three pilots are keenly aware of their status as trailblazers and role models, and they hope that their success will inspire other women to pursue their dreams in aviation.

Director William J. Kerns Jr. imbues the film with a sense of excitement and wonder, capturing the breathtaking beauty of aerobatics in stunning detail. The film's aerial footage is both thrilling and awe-inspiring, and it gives us a sense of what it must feel like to be in the cockpit during a high-speed roll or a loop-the-loop.

Overall, Ready to Fly is an uplifting and inspiring documentary that celebrates the courage, determination, and passion of three remarkable women. It is a testament to the power of the human spirit and a reminder that anything is possible with hard work, perseverance, and a willingness to chase your dreams.