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The Roaring Skies

An immersive exploration of the daring pilots and spectacular aerial displays that defined early American aviation during the Roaring Twenties.

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What is Barnstorming?

A Spectacle of Skill

Barnstorming was a vibrant form of entertainment characterized by stunt pilots performing daring aerial maneuvers, either individually or in coordinated groups known as "flying circuses." The primary objective was to "impress people with the skill of pilots and the sturdiness of planes,"[1] captivating audiences across the United States, particularly during the energetic era of the Roaring Twenties.[2]

The Pilots of the Era

These pilots, often referred to as "barnstormers," traveled extensively, offering thrilling airplane rides and showcasing their aerial prowess. Notably, aviation pioneer Charles Lindbergh began his illustrious career as a barnstormer, honing his skills before his historic transatlantic flight.[3] Barnstorming represents a foundational period in the history of civil aviation, marking its first major wave of public engagement.

The Genesis of Aerial Spectacle

Early Exhibition Flights

While early aviation pioneers like the Wright brothers and Glenn Curtiss organized exhibition teams, and solo flyers such as Lincoln Beachey and Didier Masson gained popularity before World War I, barnstorming as a formal phenomenon truly emerged in the 1920s. Charles Foster Willard, taught to fly by Glenn Curtiss in 1909, is recognized as the first barnstormer and the first pilot to be shot down mid-flight by an annoyed farmer's squirrel gun, which broke his propeller.[4]

Post-War Surplus and Opportunity

Following World War I, the United States government sold off surplus Curtiss JN-4 "Jenny" biplanes at significantly reduced prices. These robust aircraft, which had trained nearly every American airman, became accessible to servicemen eager to continue flying. The availability of these planes, along with similar models like the Standard J-1, fueled the rise of barnstorming. The nascent aviation market, coupled with a lack of stringent Federal Aviation Regulations, created an environment where barnstorming could flourish.[5]

Heyday of the Flying Circuses

Organized Aerial Troupes

While many barnstormers operated solo, larger, more organized "flying circuses" emerged. These troupes employed promoters to schedule shows in towns, drawing tens of thousands to a single event. Notable examples include the Five Blackbirds (an African American flying group), the Flying Aces Air Circus, the 13 Black Cats, Mabel Cody's Flying Circus, the Inman Brothers Flying Circus, and the Marie Meyer Flying Circus.[6] The Gates Flying Circus, in particular, was renowned for its scale and success, staging an estimated 2,000 air meets across 44 states.[7][9]

Inclusivity in the Skies

Barnstorming provided opportunities for a diverse range of pilots, including women and minorities. Katherine Stinson achieved global recognition by performing the world's first loop by a woman on July 18, 1915.[5] Bessie Coleman, an African-American aviator, not only thrilled audiences with her barnstorming skills but also served as a powerful role model, challenging prevailing stereotypes and advocating against segregation.[10]

Lindbergh's Early Flights

A Daredevil's Beginning

Before achieving international fame, Charles Lindbergh engaged in barnstorming. He flew with groups like the Marie Meyer Flying Circus and performed stunts such as "wing walking," where he would climb onto the wing and wave to the crowds below.[1] During a barnstorming tour in Minnesota and Wisconsin in 1923, Lindbergh made the pivotal decision to pursue formal flight training with the U.S. Army Air Service.[3]

Regulation and the End of an Era

The Dawn of Aviation Law

The sensationalism and economic prosperity of the Jazz Age, while fueling barnstorming's popularity, also paved the way for its regulation. In 1925, the Contract Air Mail Act allowed the U.S. Post Office to contract private airlines for mail delivery. The following year, President Calvin Coolidge signed the Air Commerce Act, establishing a new branch within the Department of Commerce to manage air routes, license aircraft and pilots, and implement safety regulations.[11][12]

The Decline of Daredevilry

Barnstorming was often driven by bravado and a spirit of "one-upmanship," leading to increasingly dangerous stunts. A series of highly publicized accidents prompted stricter safety regulations, which proved challenging for barnstormers to meet. Requirements such as minimum altitudes for tricks made performances less visible to spectators. Furthermore, the military ceased selling surplus "Jenny" aircraft in the late 1920s, making it difficult for pilots to sustain their careers. This confluence of factors led to the gradual demise of barnstorming, though some pilots continued their itinerant careers until the early 1940s.[13][14]

The Show Must Go On

Planning the Aerial Show

The typical "barnstorming season" spanned from early spring through the fall harvest and county fair circuit. Pilots would fly over small rural towns to generate excitement, then land at a local farmโ€”the origin of the term "barnstorming"โ€”to negotiate for a field to serve as a temporary runway. After securing a base, they would distribute flyers, often dropped from the aircraft, to announce their shows. The arrival of a barnstormer or troupe frequently led to a town-wide cessation of activities as residents gathered to witness the aerial spectacle.[1]

Daring Stunts and Feats

Barnstormers specialized in a wide array of breathtaking stunts. Stunt pilots executed complex aerobatic maneuvers like spins, dives, loop-the-loops, and barrel rolls. Aerialists performed thrilling feats of wing walking, stunt parachuting, midair transfers between planes, and even engaged in activities like playing tennis or shooting targets while balanced on the wings. Some pilots pushed the limits with nose dives and flying through barns, a particularly dangerous stunt that sometimes ended in a crash.[5]

The Business of Thrills

Beyond the spectacle, barnstormers offered paid airplane rides, with Charles Lindbergh charging five dollars for a 15-minute excursion.[3] However, making a consistent living was challenging. Many barnstormers, including Lindbergh, took on supplementary work. This often involved serving as flying instructors, performing handyman tasks, or working in other local jobs to make ends meet.[1] Bartering, such as trading airplane rides for room and board, was also a common practice.[3]

Signature Stunts

Aerobatic Maneuvers

Stunt pilots were masters of the sky, performing a repertoire of aerobatic maneuvers designed to thrill spectators. These included precise spins, steep dives, exhilarating loop-the-loops, and dynamic barrel rolls, showcasing the agility of the aircraft and the skill of the pilot.

Wing Walking and Aerial Feats

Aerialists took daring to new heights, performing feats of wing walking where they would move across the aircraft's wings in flight. Other spectacular stunts included stunt parachuting, midair transfers between planes, and even engaging in activities like playing tennis or shooting targets while precariously balanced on the wings. Some pilots even attempted to fly through barns, a particularly dangerous stunt that sometimes ended in a crash.[5]

The Economics of Flight

Revenue Streams

The primary revenue for barnstormers came from offering passenger rides. For a modest fee, spectators could experience the thrill of flight firsthand. Charles Lindbergh, for instance, charged five dollars for a 15-minute ride, a significant sum at the time.[3]

Diversified Income

While the excitement of barnstorming was the main draw, it was often not enough to provide a stable income. Many pilots, including Lindbergh, took on supplementary work. This often involved serving as flying instructors, performing handyman tasks, or working in other local jobs to make ends meet.[1] Bartering, such as trading airplane rides for room and board, was also a common practice.[3]

Pioneers of the Sky

Key Figures

The era of barnstorming was shaped by numerous courageous and skilled aviators. Some of the most notable figures include:

  • Jimmie Angel
  • Pancho Barnes
  • Lincoln Beachey
  • Lillian Boyer
  • Jerrie Cobb
  • Alan Cobham
  • Bessie Coleman
  • Doug Davis
  • Meg Fisher
  • Roland Garros
  • Tex Johnston
  • Hubert Julian
  • William Carpenter Lambert
  • Charles Lindbergh
  • Didier Masson
  • Marie Meyer
  • John Moisant
  • Clyde Pangborn
  • Louis Paulhan
  • Adolphe Pรฉgoud
  • Wiley Post
  • Harriet Quimby
  • Tex Rankin
  • Abraham Whalomie Raygorodsky
  • Renรฉ Simon
  • Slonnie Sloniger
  • Dean Smith
  • Roscoe Turner
  • Ernst Udet
  • Odo Valentine
  • EE Armstrong
  • Richard Bach

Barnstorming's Cultural Footprint

Literary Influence

Barnstorming captured the imagination of writers, finding its way into numerous literary works. William Faulkner's 1935 novel Pylon vividly portrays a group of barnstormers. Nevil Shute's 1951 novel Round the Bend details the activities of Alan Cobham's National Aviation Day. Richard Bach's novels frequently feature modern barnstormers, and Philip Jose Farmer's 1982 book A Barnstormer in Oz centers on a pilot named Hank Stover. Even the beloved Peanuts comic strip features Snoopy's alter ego, the World War I Flying Ace, contemplating barnstorming after the war. Susan Crandall's novel The Flying Circus also chronicles a barnstorming troupe.

Cinematic and Television Depictions

The romance and danger of barnstorming have been a recurring theme in film and television. Notable portrayals include Douglas Sirk's melodrama The Tarnished Angels (1957), the comedy Those Magnificent Men in Their Flying Machines (1965), Steven Spielberg's story adapted into Ace Eli and Rodger of the Skies (1973), and the classic The Great Waldo Pepper (1975). Documentaries like Nothing by Chance (1975) and films such as Days of Heaven (1978) and The Gypsy Moths (1969) further explore this era. More contemporary shows like MTV's Nitro Circus have featured wing walking, and the television series The Fall Guy included iconic scenes of aerial stunts.[5]

Digital Adventures

The thrill of barnstorming has also been translated into the digital realm. Activision released a Barnstorming game cartridge for the Atari 2600 in 1982. Simulation games like RollerCoaster Tycoon 2 and 3 feature "Barnstorming Roller Coaster" and "Barn Stormer" rides, respectively. The narrative game Kentucky Route Zero includes a town established by barnstormers, and the game Indigo Park references crashing into barns as barnstorming.

Musical Echoes

The era's spirit has inspired musicians as well. Al Stewart's song "The Immelmann Turn" is set during the barnstorming era and references the eponymous aerobatic maneuver. The band State Radio also released a track titled "Barn Storming," capturing the adventurous essence of the period.

Further Exploration

Related Topics

To delve deeper into the world of aviation history and performance:

  • Air Show
  • Historic Aircraft Restoration Museum
  • United States government role in civil aviation

Sources

Cited References

The information presented on this page is derived from the following sources:

  1. PBS. "Daredevil Lindbergh and His Barnstorming Days." PBS. Retrieved 26 March 2015.
  2. Onkst, David H. "Clyde 'Upside-Down' Pangborn." U.S. Centennial of Flight Commission. Retrieved 26 March 2015.
  3. Larson, Bruce L. (Summer 1991). "Barnstorming with Lindbergh." Minnesota History. Minnesota Historical Society. pp. 231โ€“238. Archived from the original on 2014-07-01. Retrieved 2015-03-26.
  4. "Charles F. Willard, Who is Trying to Perfect Monoplane; Bullet Hit Airship of Boston Aviator; Charles F. Willard of Hull Has Become Prominent in Aeronautics". Boston Journal. Boston, Mass. June 2, 1910. p. 3.
  5. "Barnstorming History." Southern Biplane Adventures. Archived from the original on 24 March 2015. Retrieved 26 March 2015.
  6. Cooper, Joan (1999). "Marie Meyer's Flying Circus." In Corbett, Katharine T. (ed.). In her place : a guide to St. Louis women's history. St. Louis: Missouri Historical Society Press. pp. 241โ€“242. ISBN 978-1883982300.
  7. "Can You Outdo This??" San Diego Air & Space Museum.
  8. "Aeronautics: Ringling of the Air." Time. December 5, 1932.
  9. "The History of Barnstorming." May 31, 2011. Archived from the original on August 12, 2016. Retrieved March 26, 2015.
  10. Onkst, David H. "Women in History: Bessie Coleman." USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service. U.S. Department of Agriculture. Archived from the original on 16 February 2016. Retrieved 26 March 2015.
  11. Glass, Andrew (May 20, 2013). "Congress passed Air Commerce Act, May 20, 1926". Politico.
  12. "The Air Commerce Act of 1926". AvStop Online Magazine. Archived from the original on 14 March 2015. Retrieved 26 March 2015.
  13. "Aviation Pioneers." National Park Service. Retrieved 26 March 2015.
  14. Long, Priscilla (October 12, 2005). "Pangborn, Clyde Edward (1894-1958)". HistoryLink.

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