Concorde makes aviation history when the first prototype plane takes to the skies. But solving complex engineering problems is only the beginning. At almost every turn throughout the 1970s, Concorde faced existential threats. The Oil Crisis, environmental protests, and allegations of "Aviation Colonialism" could ground the plane and end the supersonic dream forever.
It's March 2, 1969, and we're in Toulouse.
It's a moment the french and british teams have been dreaming about for years.
Concorde is about to fly for the first time.
After six years of designing and building delays and progress, the dream was a reality.
Concorde nosed slowly out towards the starting point of her flying career.
The all important final pre flight check, carried out by chief pilot Andre Turca and his crew went without a hitch.
This was it.
Prototype races down the Runway.
It slowly begins to lift its nose.
Within seconds, the plane is at the steep angle it needs for takeoff.
Then the back tires lift off the ground.
Two plumes of black smoke pour out of its engines as Concorde takes to the air.
Despite being millions of pounds over the estimated cost, with some serious question marks hanging over the project, Concord flies after completing the successful maiden flight, the world's press asked pilot Andre Tuccard for his thoughts.
The big bird flies, he said.
It's the beginning of the big work.
That is an understatement.
It's already been a hell of a lot of work getting the prototype into the air.
But now the work begins on testing it and introducing it in person to the world.
An introduction thats supposed to guarantee Concordes future success.
But as well hear in this episode, things dont go to plan.