The international docuseries “The Aviators,” which can be seen weekly on most public television stations across the U.S., will add airline captain and professional musician Joe Ellis to the cast for Season 4 as one of the program’s hosts.
Ellis, who is also an ambassador of audio company Sennheiser‘s Live Your Dream program, has been flying professionally for 15 years, with over 9,000 hours of flight time. He has flown everything from Embraer 110 “Bandits” and Falcon 20s to 100-passenger, four engine jets for well-known commercial airlines.
As a program host, Ellis will guide viewers through The Aviators’ newest seasons, which will include adventures with helicopters (including Huey, Cobra, Bell 222 and others), major commercial airliners, U.S. Air Force jets as well as airport technology and aircraft testing procedures.
“Joe brings incredibly diverse talents to our cast, and his capacity to share stories in an informed, personable way will help make this season one of our best yet,” commented Aviators’ Producer and Host Anthony Nalli. “We also believe aspiring pilots will identify with Joe, since he himself was enchanted by aviation at an early age and chose to follow his dream of becoming a pilot.”
Ellis is a natural storyteller, hailing from a family rich in its aviation heritage. At holiday gatherings growing up, Ellis was constantly surrounded by family-member pilots sharing their experiences flying for the Army and the Air Force, as well as flying cargo planes, commercial aircraft and many others. Ellis’ own aviation experiences began at age 7, when he sat beside his dad who piloted a corporate jet for many years.
Also an accomplished musician, Ellis has been a spokesperson for Sennheiser’s Live Your Dream program since its inception two years ago. His music, which is available through his own website and the iTunes store, is featured in the latest edition of Sennheiser’s iPad application ‘Blue Stage’ and encourages would-be pilots to follow their dreams and take to the skies.
“The Aviators holds a unique and important space in television, and captures the true spirit of aviation,” Ellis said. “As the show continues to grow in popularity, I’d like to do my part in helping make these incredible stories become even more accessible to all audiences — especially to aspiring aviators or those who are interested in learning more about flying.”
The Aviators’ audience continues to grow on an international basis, currently averaging 10 million viewers on a weekly basis in the U.S. alone. Season 4 will be available to PBS affiliates throughout the U.S. this September; viewers can check local listings for specific airdates.