Trio of Videos Gives Young High-Fliers a Lift

Some young enthusiasts light up at the sight of a train, others are crazy about fire engines, cars or heavy construction equipment. And then, there are those who always seem to have their heads in the clouds. For those high fliers, three recent edutainment videos may do the trick:

In “The Big Plane Trip,” with charming child narration, viewers are invited to take an overnight flight on an enormous international airliner from Atlanta to Switzerland. The well-filmed video progresses from the process of checking in at the airport, to general plane operation basics, flight attendant training, food preparation, cargo loading, a pilot’s-eye view of the flight and a bit of Swiss sightseeing. The live action is interspersed with simple, animated graphics and illustrations.

* Little Mammoth Media. $12.95. (800) KID VIDEO.

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The truly serious fan might prefer the less people-oriented, more machine facts-and-figures approach of “Ready for Take-Off.” This hourlong, leisurely look at the inner and outer workings of mostly small planes, from little Piper Cubs to chunky biplanes and graceful, gull-like gliders, is hosted by flight instructor Orton, a big, genial fellow with a pleasantly unpatronizing manner. He explains plane parts, instrument panels, navigation and aerodynamics as the planes take off and land on a grassy strip surrounded by autumnal New England woods. Later, there’s a visit to Washington National Airport for a look at some jets and a few words with air controller Diane and pilot Captain Keith.

* Watchin’ tv inc. $19.95. (800) FUNKY TV.

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For those who prefer to keep their feet on solid ground, “Building Skyscrapers” is the ticket. Construction Manager David and a boy named Jeffrey observe the building of a New York skyscraper and take a tour of the city’s most towering edifices, including a trip to the top of the Empire State Building. Sights include huge jackhammers, cranes, earthmovers and excavators, the remarkable demolition by explosives of old buildings and recalcitrant rocks, and the upward progression of enormous beams, the framework upon which workers balance like beefy tightrope walkers.

With his relaxed manner and mild Brooklynese, construction manager David Rothstein is an appealing tour guide and friendly expert; directors David Alpert and Audrey Irwin further humanize the proceedings by focusing on the workers--men and women--as well as on machinery and buildings.

* David Alpert Associates. $19.95. (800) 265-7744.