1. Pilot
Aired: 9/19/1980
Ritter is grounded by the transport ministry because he failed to take a scheduled medical examination. In desperation, he turns to a woman pilot for help. Enter co-star Susan Hogan who plays Kate Ashcroft in the series. The Ritter-Ashcroft relationship is a constant theme throughout the series. reasons. Karl's grandson, Robert (Dale Walters,) becomes a stowaway during Susan's test flight.