About this season
The Aeronauts was a French children's TV series about two fighter jet pilots and their adventures. It was based on a comic book series by Jean-Michel Charlier and Albert Uderzo. Made by French production company Office de Radiodiffusion Télévision Française between 1967 and 1970, its original French title was Les chevaliers du ciel. The three seasons were originally filmed in colors but the first season was broadcast on French TV from September 1967 in black and white, as French television was only in black and white at the time. All three seasons, however, were later released in colors when the series appeared in a 6-DVD box in the early 2000s. This 6-DVD set is now sold out and used copies fetch high prices. It was dubbed into English, retitled The Aeronauts and shown on UK children's TV in the early 1970s. In 1972 Rick Jones released a single of the anglicised theme tune. In 1976 a version dubbed into Afrikaans and titled Mirage was shown by the SABC in South Africa.
Episodes (13)
1. Episode 1
Aired 16 September 1967
Michel Tanguy and Ernest Laverdue are sent to the Dijon airbase. When they arrive they end up half naked in front of the commanding officer. They also attract the attention of a mysterious Mr X who makes Tanguy a proposal.
2. Episode 2
Aired 23 September 1967
The head of the airbase receives a copy of a gambling debt signed by Tanguy. He may therefore be dismissed from the air force. Meanwhile there are problems with the oxygen supplies at high altitude.
3. Episode 3
Aired 30 September 1967
Two Canadian officers, Lester and Gagnon arrive at Dijon to fly the Mirage, but they are intercepted and replaced at the airport the journey by two lookalikes.
4. Episode 4
Aired 7 October 1967
The Canadian officers are suspected as replacements by the captain, but is unable to raise the alarm.
5. Episode 5
Aired 14 October 1967
The captain has an accident caused by the spies who have infiltrated the base.
6. Episode 6
Aired 21 October 1967
A young pilot, Larrafieu joins the squadron. He is afraid due to having had an accident that killed his wingman. The commander tries to get him to resign.
7. Episode 7
Aired 28 October 1967
Tanguy tries to complete a mission instead of Larrafieu in bad weather. Together with Laverdue he helps Larrafieu regain his confidence.
8. Episode 8
Aired 4 November 1967
Laverdure has dinner with Nicole. Tanguy has to stay at the base. Meanwhile Mr X sends a spy plane to photograph the new French nuclear facility.
9. Episode 9
Aired 11 November 1967
10. Episode 10
Aired 18 November 1967
11. Episode 11
Aired 25 November 1967
12. Episode 12
Aired 2 December 1967
13. Episode 13
Aired 9 December 1967