Introduction: To The Farthest Corners of The Globe (03:17)

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Tourists now explore natural wonders and otherwise dangerous terrain from the air. Aerial views allow for better mapping and landmark identification; previously inaccessible areas of the planet can be accurately surveyed.

Amazon River (02:29)

In 1913, Theodore Roosevelt led an expedition of the Rio da Duvida; two members of his team died on the trek. Later explorations utilized airplanes to survey terrain, drop supplies and provide emergency evacuations; the journey was made safer and more expedient.

Australia and Neighbors (03:29)

Expeditions of the Outback resulted in death and injury until the introduction of the plane in the 1920s. Papua New Guinea was difficult to survey, but gold discoveries triggered exploration. Advancements in aviation equated to better understanding of the area, and provided supply drops and rescue.

Northwest Passage: Expedition (09:40)

Explorers focused on expediting ship travel. The Fokker F-7 first circled the North Pole and successfully returned. Manned by General Umberto Nobile, airship “Italia,” reached it in 1928, but crashed on an ice cap; Roald Amundsen disappeared while attempting to rescue survivors.

Northwest Passage: Exploration (06:03)

Hubert Wilkins flew across the Arctic in 1928, confirming it was an ice cap; in 1951, Charles Blair made the first solo flight over the region. In 1952, the Douglas C-47 Skytrain landed at the North Pole. Wally Herbert’s 1958 trek was supported by the Royal Canadian Air Force.

Antarctic Expedition History (04:05)

In 1911, Roald Amundsen won the race against Robert Scott to reach the South Pole. In 1912, Douglas Mawson endured a solo trek of 100 miles after his team died, surviving a year before rescued. In 1914, Ernest Shackleton’s ship was crushed in ice; his entire crew survived.

South Pole By Air (09:41)

Hubert Wilkins pioneered aerial exploration of the Antarctic. Byrd was the first to fly over both North and South Poles. Operation Highjump was a massive endeavor, establishing the first permanent base camp. In 1969, six women visited the camp.

Himalayas (08:10)

In the 1920s, the British attempted scaling Mount Everest. Two Westland PV-3 planes were commissioned to survey the summit; winds, high altitudes, and gear malfunction threatened the mission, but the determined photographer kept filming. Twenty years later, the first human climbed its peak.

Final Frontiers (03:03)

Satellites now complete most aerial surveys; space is the next great quest with much to be explored. Airplanes are still used to monitor global pollution and volcanic activity.

Credits: To The Farthest Corners Of The Globe (00:41)

Credits: To The Farthest Corners Of The Globe