You probably heard about the new CW show called “Fly Girls”…

It features Virgin America flight attendants in the best “in your face” product-placement bonanza since American Airlines’ starring role in George Clooney’s “Up in the Air”.

According to the producers, the show is about “real, down-to-earth young women who happen to have landed in an exceptionally glamorous, high-flying career filled with exotic locations and handsome strangers”. I imagine most flight attendants – including Virgin America’s – will be rolling on the floor with laughter at that, but it could be fun to watch.

You can see it starting Mar. 24 at 9:30PM on the CW.

But did you know there were other “Fly Girls”? This show had the same title, but featured women who risked their lives for their country. Keep reading…

I’m talking about a PBS documentary about the Women Airforce Service Pilots (WASPs) during WWII, who transported aircraft, tested planes, towed targets for anti-aircraft artillery practice, and often put their lives on the line. “Despite serving with grit and determination,” reads one review, “women pilots often encountered disbelief and resentment. Thirty-eight would give their lives.”

You can see a transcript online or purchase a copy for under $20.