WasAnnon Slow pace in the most part of the movie.

Inclubabu Plot so thin, it passes unnoticed.

Tedfoldol everything you have heard about this movie is true.

Micransix Crappy film

hpclark I met Cliff Robertson and his wife, Dina, in Florida in the 1980's. We spent some time together, dining, and talked on many subjects. I learned he had spent countless hours learning about alcoholism by talking to doctors, visiting clinics and hospitals. Lengthy discussions with men and women with the problem also allowed him to BE the roll. His demeanor and laid back style in real life was depicted in the movie, whenever he would talk to his daughter. He played the part of a man with a serious problem better than anyone could have. Each time I view the movie, I don't dwell on the man's problem, I focus on the real man facing life and a problem that faces so many. Nobody else could have pulled it off. Cliff was, and is, brilliant.

Rick Scott The story line is good. What makes this a must see is the true to life cockpit footage. This is the most real to life cockpit filming including ATC, checklist usage and procedures that I have ever seen. Thanks to Cliff Robertson, who is a pilot, this movie is awesome if you are a pilot-or a fan of aviation. Finding this movie is a difficult task. I found it once in Blockbuster in the mid 80's but nothing since. The whole movie is a struggle for Mike Hagan with drinking and keeping his edge in the cockpit. Good ending, doing what you love is what he turns to. I think this movie is underrated as the story line is a personal struggle and involves his work.

nowlang This is the most realistic flying movie I have seen for pilots, experienced veterans or future aviators alike. It depicts the real workings of Air Traffic Control, Airline Dispatch Centers, and cockpit crew coordination. The airliners used in the movie may be outdated (like me) but the movie still captures the essence and intensity of airline pilots daily life. The many melodramatic movies that tried to cash-in on the success of the original "Airport (1970)" ridiculed the seriousness and the professionalism expected from Airline Rated Pilots. "The Pilot" was refreshing story to see, a model for future aviators to emulate.The story follows the life of a senior airline pilot, member of a rare breed of aviators, the "born-to-fly" type. Captain Hagan (Cliff Robertson) has been flying all his life, he was born to fly. He flew at every "flight levels": private, military, and finally airline transport. In his time off, he flies his own airplane whereas most professionals go on to enjoy other activities. Captain Hagan has developed a sixth sense for flying as he forms a single entity with the aircraft. He feels the air flowing over the airfoil surfaces and communicates with the jetliner through the controls.Despite his safety record and his professionalism, Captain Hagan has a terrible secret, he is an alcoholic. Like a few former military fliers, he has learned to deal with the stresses of flying, the pain of loosing fellow pilots, the hardship of long war patrols with alcohol. Now he must deal with his disease and the movie follows his journey through recovery with the help of a controversial physician, Dr. O'Brian (Milo O'Shea).Back on his "castle", Diane Baker plays the role of Pat Simpson, his supportive, sensitive, and affectionate sweetheart; in a sense, not an unusual scenario for some professional pilots. Under her tender eyes, he taxis out his acrobatic airplane and takes-off in the blue yonder where he finds peace and serenity. The end of the movie is plausible and I will let the viewer make their own critique.Overall, I highly recommend this movie for anyone who wants a realistic non-Hollywood look at the rigors of airline flying along with the book "Tips to Fly by" by Richard Collins. Enjoy and fly safe!

McLearysTrip The whole point of this movie is this: the PILOT is an extremely talented and conscientious guy with a serious problem - he is an alcoholic. It's a disease!! People without this problem can never begin to understand what it is like. Trust me. I know. The PILOT knows he has a problem. He knows he has to stop. He just can't. This movie is about a decent guy in constant battle with himself, and his struggle to recover. If you missed this, then you missed the point of the movie.