Flying Circus

So last week, my sister and I had the opportunity to fly out to an airshow in some Boeing Stearman Biplanes. Yeah, I am all about that!!

 Rick and Dave Conn are American Airlines Pilots who own and fly these awesome airplanes. And they do aerobatics in their biplanes too!! IN FORMATION!!  It does not get any better than this....

Suited up with parachute and everything for aerobatics

 Alisa and I flew with Rick and Dave to the Flying Circus Aerodrome in Bealeton, VA. The Flying Circus Aerodrome is located 14 miles SE of Warrenton, VA and 22 miles NW of Fredericksburg, VA. Just off Route 17, at 5114 Ritchie Road (Route 644) in Bealeton, VA.

flying in formation, the other plane is right there beside you

 The Flying Circus operates every Sunday, May through October. So there is still time this year to get out there....I plan to be back next summer for sure.

at the Flying Circus, there is lots of fun for the kids!

Wing Walking! Just like in Barnstorming Days

The Boeing Stearman is a biplane that was used as a military trainer aircraft. Over 10,000 were built in the United States during the 30's and 40's.  Stearman Aircraft was bought by Boeing in 1934. It served as a primary trainer for the United States Army Air Forces, the United States Navy, and with the Royal Canadian Air Force throughout World War II.  After the war, thousands of surplus aircraft were sold on the civilian market. In the immediate postwar years they became popular as crop dusters, sports planes, and for aerobatic and wing walking use in air shows.

Lots of gorgeous Boeing Stearman aircraft

 United Airlines IAD (Dulles) was having a reunion on this weekend and they brought out some displays of memorabilia. I am inspired on how to display my Piedmont memorabilia.

This display is made from uniform pieces and commemorates 9/11

you have the opportunity to visit with the pilots

The Flying Circus was started in 1970 and the core group of pilots has grown through the years flying WACO and Stearman aircraft and celebrating the barnstorming era of flight. Aerial demonstrations, thrilling acts and rides were central to barnstorming and what the Flying Circus is all about. The aircraft are all privately owned and barring the occasional work or family commitment, the pilots bring them to the field to share them with the audience every Sunday from May to October.

Also they have a Hot Air Balloon festival in the summer!! I think I need to plan my next visit for that.

   https://www.flyingcircusairshow.com/balloon.html

In Out of Africa, it is a Gypsy Moth, not the same plane, but you get the idea....

https://youtu.be/Pzo3m3tOkdM

And if you want more Bi-Plane fun in the movies, check out High Road to China starring Tom Selleck and Bess Armstrong. Their planes are Stampe SV-4 but again,you get the idea....

https://youtu.be/s7A7OUE6rFQ

And then there is always The Great Waldo Pepper with Robert Redford for the ultimate Barnstorming Movie experience

https://youtu.be/H5Y9UCGYpl0