WORTH NOTING ON TV

* WEDNESDAY

Scientific American Frontiers (PBS, 8-9 p.m.): Get ready for an airborne trip to discover the flight secrets of birds, insects, and airplanes. In addition to explaining how birds soar and investigating an evolutionary theory of how insects learned to fly, this program looks at how airplane pilots utilize an increasingly computerized flight deck. It also chronicles a solar-powered plane's attempt to break the world's winged-aircraft altitude record, and there's a contest between aerial robots that can navigate without human guidance.

Inside the Actors Studio: Faye Dunaway (Bravo, 10-11 p.m.): Bravo starts off the second season of ''Inside Actors Studio'' with an interview and master class at the Studio with screen legend Faye Dunaway. Taped at the New School in New York in November, the program is hosted by James Lipton, who discusses with his guests insights into the art of acting. Dunaway comments both on her successes, such as ''Bonnie and Clyde,'' and on what she sees as her misses, such as ''Mommie Dearest.''

The program is part of ''Inside the Actors Studio: the Women,'' which will feature Glenn Close on Jan. 24 and Holly Hunter on Jan. 31.

* FRIDAY

ABC in Concert (ABC, 12:05-12:35 a.m.): In this week's lineup: Duran Duran, singing ''White Lines'' from their new album of favorite cover tunes; Carly Simon and Des'ree in taped performances from Boston; and the ska Jamaican pop group General Public, returning from a nine-year hiatus.

Please check local listings for these programs.