Where Does Term Barnstorming Come from?

Barnstorming earned its name from the aerobatic pilots who would land their light planes in fields and use local barns as venues for their impromptu airshows. Paying spectators would gather to watch these daring pilots attempt a variety of dangerous tricks.

When did barnstorming stop?

Barnstorming “seemed to be founded on bravado, with 'one-upmanship' a major incentive.” By 1927, competition among barnstormers resulted in their performing increasingly dangerous tricks, and a rash of highly publicized accidents led to new safety regulations, which led to the demise of barnstorming.

What barnstorming trick was a real crowd pleaser?

“Wing walking,” for example, was a real crowd pleaser. Wing-walking was a favorite stunt barnstormers performed to demonstrate to the public the thrill of flying. Even Charles A. Lindbergh, best known for his 1927 solo flight across the Atlantic Ocean, was a barnstormer at the beginning of his career.