106- Tex Johnston & the Barrel Roll That Shocked the World

The History Of The Evergreen State

Tex Johnston was an American test pilot and aviation pioneer known for his significant contributions to the development of jet aircraft. He is most famous for his daring demonstration flight of the Boeing 707, which earned him both praise and controversy.
Alvin Melvin Johnson was born on the 18th of August, 1914, in Admire, Kansas. He developed an early fascination with aviation, and at the age of 15, he took his first flying lesson. He earned his pilot's license shortly after and began barnstorming and performing aerobatic stunts at air shows.
During World War II, Johnston served as a fighter pilot in the United States Army Air Forces. He flew the P-40 Warhawk and the P-47 Thunderbolt in combat, earning the nickname "Tex" due to his southern accent and cowboy mannerisms.
After the war, Johnston's career took off, and he became a test pilot for Bell Aircraft Corporation. He was involved in the development and testing of several experimental aircraft, including the X-1, the first plane to break the sound barrier.
In 1950, Tex Johnston joined Boeing, a leading aircraft manufacturer, as a chief test pilot. He played a crucial role in testing and refining the company's early jet aircraft.
On the 7th of August, 1955, Johnston performed the now-famous barrel roll with the prototype Boeing 707, the Dash 80, during the Gold Cup hydroplane races in Seattle. In a daring move, he executed a complete barrel roll with the massive jet airliner in front of astonished spectators, demonstrating the aircraft's stability and maneuverability. The risky stunt was controversial, as it was an unauthorized maneuver, and some executives at Boeing were initially unhappy about it. However, the flight's success proved the 707's capabilities and ultimately helped secure Boeing's position in the jet airliner market.
Despite the temporary controversy, Tex Johnston continued to be a respected test pilot and made significant contributions to aviation. He later flew the Boeing 727 and contributed to the development of other Boeing aircraft.
Tex Johnston retired from Boeing in 1966 but remained active in the aviation community, advocating for aviation safety and the importance of skilled pilots.
He passed away on the 29th of October, 1998, leaving behind a legacy of daring and innovation in the field of aviation.
Tex Johnston's famous barrel roll remains one of the most iconic moments in aviation history and a testament to his skill and confidence as a test pilot. He is remembered not only for his bold demonstration flights but also for his dedication to advancing aviation technology and safety during a transformative era in the aerospace industry.
Listen now to learn more about this iconic feat of aviation!
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