In World War II, the Air Transport Auxiliary (or ATA) was a British civilian organization that performed critical aircraft services, including ensuring the repair of necessary air transport, the delivery of important personnel, and even air ambulance work.  Most remarkably, many ATA pilots were women who received equal pay to their male counterparts in the same field.  Now, Big Finish Productions is releasing a new series about these extraordinary ladies.

Each of the four stories in the upcoming box set highlights the particular challenges faced by characters inspired by real women of the ATA.  A young widow, an "It Girl", a mother, a seasoned pilot - this series is set to give us stories that encompass the backgrounds of real women, not some sort of a caricature.  Even more encouraging, is to see the all-female writing and production team behind this upcoming series (including Doctor Who's Louise Jameson).  


Read on for summaries of each of the four stories (courtesy of Big Finish Productions):

1.1 Up In The Air 

It’s March 1944 and young widow Daphne Coyne arrives at the Air Transport Auxiliary, having signed up to train as a new pilot. Already unsure of her decision, she is shocked to find that her estranged younger sister, Rebecca, has also joined the ATA, hoping for a chance of reconciliation. As Daphne grows close to her flying instructor, the injured former RAF pilot, David, and discovers an unexpected passion for flying, the two sisters try to navigate their broken relationship. But David has family trapped in Belgium and Daphne has a plan that could jeopardise all of their futures….

1.2 Dancing With A Spitfire 

In 1942, Glamorous ‘It Girl’, Second Officer Mina Lauderdale is enjoying her work with the ATA, flying her aircraft recklessly and living up to her nickname, ‘The Wildcard’! However, amidst all of the press attention, the partying and the endless flirting, Mina is secretly running away from an unwanted destiny. It’s only when she meets outspoken US pilot Jeanette that Mina finally begins to discover her true self and face up to the reality of who she wants to be.

1.3 Flying Blind 

1942-43, Judith Heathcote has been with the ATA since the start and is one of the few mothers in the Corps. With her husband ‘missing presumed dead’ and her daughter living with her parents, Judith is beginning to question the sacrifices she’s making for the war effort. Seen as a maternal figure by many of her colleagues, it seems that Judith looks out for everyone but herself. So when a chance of happiness arises, she seizes upon it, only to find herself caught up in a series of events that propel her towards an unthinkable solution.

1.4 Too Close To The Sun 

It’s early 1945. The end of the war is closer than the pilots realise, but meanwhile there is an unexpected air raid to contend with. When the sirens sound at the ATA ferry pool, the women have to find a way to protect themselves and each other: some making it to the bomb shelter, whilst others are trapped above. Elsewhere, RAF pilot Walter (already traumatised by his war experience) has come to seek solace with ATA pilot Amelia. She and her best friend Widdley, do their best to comfort him, but with war still raging around them, they are reminded of losses suffered... and losses still to come…

If Big Finish continues to release quality original productions like this one, we will surely be listening for years to come.  

The ATA Girl box set will be released in April of this year.