The History and Legacy of Barnstorming: How It Impacted Airshows As We Know Them Today
Imagine going about your business to see a formation of biplanes roaring past overhead? While this might not be a regular sight today, back in the 1920s, it only meant one thing… An airshow was in town! ‘Barnstorming’ events were the forerunners to the modern air shows we see today, and they were just as exciting.
Today we will take a look at what barnstorming was, what it became, and the effect it has had on our modern-day air shows.
What Was Barnstorming?
Barnstorming. Sounds a little obscure, right? Well, there is a reason for the name.
Barnstorming came about as a reference to the farmer’s fields typically used as makeshift airstrips when the flying circus visited town.
Often, traveling groups of pilots would fly over a busy town to advertise their presence, dropping flyers advertising airplane rides (for a fee, of course) and promises of air displays. Obviously, in the 1920s, aviation was still in its infancy, and there weren’t many airports around.
The alternative to an airport was a farmer’s field. Often, a farmer would only know about his land becoming an improvised airstrip when a pilot landed on it to ask permission!
Because aviation was a relatively new phenomenon (many people had never set eyes on an airplane before), it generated huge interest. Thankfully, this enthusiasm to see airplanes performing amazing feats remains to this day.
Why Did Barnstorming End?
Barnstorming relied on a few key principles to ensure its success:
– The Shows Were Unregulated
This allowed pilots free reign to do as they pleased. This was exciting. It was also dangerous.
– Airplanes Were Cheap
Many training aircraft left over from World War I were used in the air shows, such as the Curtis Jenny. The availability of these airplanes meant that practically anyone could become a pilot.
– Flying Circuses Were In Charge of Their Own Maintenance
While this was cheap, one has to question the ethics of declaring an airplane ‘safe’ when to ground it would mean a loss of income.
So, what changed?
In the simplest terms, regulation.
After a series of incidents, the Federal Government began to impose laws on various aspects of private aviation. This included:
- Limiting the type of stunts that could be performed
- Creating ‘hard altitudes’ below which maneuvers could not be performed
- Restricting the sale of aircraft to private individuals
As a result, airshows were less entertaining (but they were safer). And parts and maintenance for the aircraft became much scarcer.
While many see this as a bad thing, these rules and regulations became the forerunner to the creation of the Federal Aviation Administration, an agency that, to this day, ensures the highest standards in aviation safety.
What is the Difference Between Barnstorming and Modern Day Airshows?
Modern-day airshows are much safer than in the 1920s! But hopefully, that was obvious?
Here are some other ways that modern-day airshows differ:
– A Greater Variety of Aircraft
Back in the day, there weren’t that many aircraft to choose from. The bigger flying circuses might have had a few different types. Nowadays, you can see a host of different types of planes. From classic warbirds like the Spitfire and P-51 Mustang all the way through to high-performance jets like the MiG-17!
– They Are Much Faster
Times have changed. As technology has advanced, so too have aircraft. For example, a Curtis Jenny used to fly at around 75mph. On the other hand, a Grumman F6F Hellcat has a top speed of about 391 mph. That’s a big difference!
– They Are Much Louder
Old piston engines are pretty loud, but that is nothing compared to the noise an AH-1 Army Cobra makes! And next to a B-25 bomber, there is no comparison. Bring your earplugs!
– The Pilots Have More Experience
The old barnstormers had a mix of flying experience. While some would become pioneers and famous (if they survived), anyone could do it if they had the funds. Nowadays, all pilots taking part in airshows have thousands of hours of experience and have rehearsed their routines to perfection.
– You’ll See Maneuvers That Would Have Been Impossible In the 1920s
Back in the 1920s, a simple loop was seen as a death-defying feat. In today’s modern airshows, you’ll see countless loops, rolls, half Cubans, tailspins, stall turns, and everything in between!
Often these maneuvers will be performed by several aircraft in formation from companies like the Lighting Formation Airshow Team!
Any Similarities?
While modern-day airshows are subject to regulation, they are still amazingly fun to attend, and believe it or not; they aren’t all that different from the barnstorming antics of the 1920s. Here are some examples:
– Airshows Are Still Exciting!
Due to the organization of all of our airshow events, you’ll be guaranteed a fantastic view. This, combined with a massive range of different aircraft, means that there is never a dull moment! As a result, airshows today are bigger, faster, and much more exciting.
– Diversity and Inclusion!
One area that stood out in the 1920’s barnstorming era was inclusion. Female pilots, such as Pancho Barnes and Katherine Stinson, performed daring tricks and stunts alongside their male counterparts and even broke world records! This inclusivity continues to this day. There are plenty of female pilots that regularly feature in the Wings Over Camarillo Lineup.
– You Can Still Take Airplane Rides!
Ok, so while a ride in an aircraft might cost a little more than a dollar, the principle still stands that you can get aloft and join in the fun. Helicopter and aircraft rides are all part of the experience and are still available at airshows today!
What Effect Has Barnstorming Had on Airshows Today?
The early barnstormers were the grandfathers of today’s modern airshows. All maneuvers, stunts, and practices you’ll see today have been directly derived and developed from those early days. There might be a few added safety precautions, but that’s a good thing! Modern airshows are just as much fun as their older counterparts. Why not check our schedule and see what’s to offer?
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