Barnstorming

Several terms redirect here. For other uses, see Barnstormer (disambiguation) and Flying circus (disambiguation).
A Curtiss JN-4 "Jenny" over central Ontario, Canada, c. 1918

Barnstorming was a form of entertainment in which stunt pilots performed tricks individually or in groups that were called flying circuses. Devised to "impress people with the skill of pilots and the sturdiness of planes,"[1] it became popular in the United States during the Roaring Twenties.[2]

Barnstormers were pilots who flew throughout the country to sell airplane rides and perform stunts. Charles Lindbergh first began flying as a barnstormer.[3] Barnstorming was the first major form of civil aviation in the history of manned flight.

  1. ^ Cite error: The named reference pbs was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  2. ^ David H. Onkst. "Clyde 'Upside-Down' Pangborn". U.S. Centennial of Flight Commission. Retrieved 26 March 2015.
  3. ^ Cite error: The named reference minnesota was invoked but never defined (see the help page).