Barnstormers, Wing-Walking and Flying Circuses

During World War I, the United States produced a large number of aeroplanes but lagged behind the British, French, and Germans in flight technology. To recover funds, the government sold surplus stock for $200 each, attracting ex-fighter pilots and civilians who developed barnstorming as a new American pastime. Barnstormers performed daring stunts such as wing-walking, handstands, and jumps across planes to attract larger audiences. In 1936, the US Government banned wing-walking under 1,500 ft, but it continued in Europe with teams using aeroplanes like the Boeing Stearman and Curtiss Jenny.

Format: Hardback
Length: 200 pages
Publication date: 14 March 2022
Publisher: Pen & Sword Books Ltd

In the midst of World War I, America's efforts to produce aeroplanes for the war effort at the Western Front faced a significant challenge. Despite the substantial number of aircraft produced, it became evident that the British, French, and Germans were far ahead in terms of flight technology. This led to a surplus of aeroplanes in the United States. To address this financial issue, the government decided to sell the surplus stock of aeroplanes at remarkably low prices, as little as $200 each. The absence of licensing requirements for flying planes attracted a diverse group of individuals, including ex-fighter pilots and civilians, who developed a new American pastime known as barnstorming.

The barnstormers were a mix of entertainers and thrill-seekers who traversed the country as solo acts or formed groups called "Flying Circuses." They showcased a range of daring aerial maneuvers, including handstands, jumps across planes, and even attempted games of tennis while flying. The popularity of barnstorming soared, particularly with the awe-inspiring performances of fliers like Ormer Locklear, who climbed out of his aeroplane and walked along the wing. Flying circuses became less appealing to spectators without wing-walking acts, leading to the inclusion of more daring stunts to captivate larger audiences.

In 1936, the US Government imposed a ban on wing-walking activities below 1,500 ft, effectively putting an end to aerial stunting. However, a few wing-walking teams continued to operate in the 1970s. It was not until the early 1980s when barnstormer Vic Norman founded the renowned AeroSuperBatics wing-walking team that the sight of daredevils hand-standing and flying upside down on the wing became a spectacle in Europe. Inspired by Norman's success, several teams around the world formed using aeroplanes such as the Boeing Stearman or the Curtiss Jenny biplanes, captivating crowds as part of regular air displays. Their appeal has continued to grow since the 2000s, captivating audiences with their breathtaking performances.

Weight: 510g
Dimension: 193 x 241 x 24 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781526794185