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Wing walking
Wing walking
from Wikipedia
Locklear with his Curtiss JN-4D, c. 1919–1920
Team Guinot at the 2008 'Flying Legends' air show in Duxford, UK

Wing walking is the act of moving along the wings of an aeroplane (most commonly a biplane) during flight, sometimes transferring between planes. It originated as a daredevil stunt in the aerial barnstorming shows of the 1920s, and became the subject of several Hollywood movies. An early exponent was Ormer Locklear, who was killed performing a dive on film. Charles Lindbergh began his aviation career as a wing walker.[citation needed]

Early development

[edit]

The earliest known instance of standing on the wing of a powered aircraft was an experimental flight in England involving a biplane built by Colonel Samuel Franklin Cody on 14 January 1911. At Laffan's Plain, Cody took his two stepsons for a flight, with them standing on the lower wing.[1] In August 1913, Commandant Felix locked the controls of his "Nieuport-Dunne" biplane over France and climbed out along the lower wing, leaving the plane to fly itself.[2]

An early wing walker who performed daring stunts was American Ormer Locklear.[3] In November 1918, Locklear performed at Barron Field, Texas, with the first public performance of his daredevil wing-walking stunts. Wing walking was seen as an extreme form of barnstorming, and wing walkers would regularly take up the challenge of outdoing one another. They admitted (or rather proclaimed proudly) that the point of their trade was to make money on the audience's prospect of seeing someone risk death.[3][4]

Among the many aerialists to become popular were Tiny Broderick, Gladys Ingle, Eddie Angel, Virginia Angel, Mayme Carson, Clyde Pangborn, Lillian Boyer, Jack Shack, Al Wilson, Fronty Nichols, Spider Matlock, Gladys Roy, Ivan Unger, Jessie Woods, Bonnie Rowe, Charles Lindbergh, and Mabel Cody (niece of Buffalo Bill Cody, no relation to S.F. Cody).[citation needed]

Eight wing walkers died in a relatively short period during the infancy of wing walking.[citation needed]

Variations on wing walking became common, with such stunts as doing handstands, hanging by one's teeth, and transferring from one plane to another. A 1931 article on wing-walking on inverted aircraft touted the practical aspect of performing inflight landing-gear inspection or maintenance.[5] Eventually wing walkers began making transfers between a ground vehicle, such as a car, a boat, or a train, to the plane. Other variations included free-falls ending with a last-minute parachute opening.[citation needed]

Charles Lindbergh, whose career in flight began with wing walking, was well known for stunts involving parachutes. The first African-American woman granted an international pilot license, Bessie Coleman, also engaged in stunts using parachutes.[4] Another successful woman in this profession was Lillian Boyer, who performed hundreds of wing-walking exhibitions, automobile-to-plane changes, and parachute jumps.[6]

Eighteen-year-old Elrey Borge Jeppesen, known today for having developed air navigation manuals and charts, joined Tex Rankin's Flying Circus around 1925; one of his jobs was wing walking.[7][8]

When the stock market crash of 1929 occurred, many prominent flying circuses such as the Gates Flying Circus folded.[3]

In 1936, the practice effectively ended in the United States when the U.S. government banned wing walking below 1,500 feet (460 m). People had difficulty seeing stunts above that height.[9]

Modern practice

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In the 1970s, stunt men and women had restrictions that included being attached to the upper wing center section. Wing walking continues to be practiced by various performers.[10][11]

On November 14, 1981, in an event organized by Martin Caidin, nineteen skydivers set an unofficial wing-walking world record by standing on the left wing of a Junkers Ju 52 aircraft in flight.

In 2000, Indian actor Akshay Kumar performed a wing-walking stunt for the film Khiladi 420.[12][13][14]

See also

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References

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Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
Wing walking is an in which a performer climbs from the of an in flight onto the exterior of its wings to stand, walk, or execute acrobatic maneuvers, typically using biplanes for stability and handholds on struts and wires. This daring activity originated in the early in the United States during the post-World War I era, when surplus flooded the market and former pilots entertained crowds with aerial exhibitions to capitalize on public fascination with flight. Pioneered by U.S. lieutenant , who first demonstrated the feat by climbing onto wings to repair in-flight mechanical issues before transitioning to theatrical performances, wing walking quickly became a highlight of air shows, with stunts including playing or dancing on the wings at speeds up to 150 miles per hour. The practice's early popularity was driven by the thrill of 's novelty, but it was marred by significant risks, including numerous fatalities from falls without safety equipment, leading to regulatory interventions such as the U.S. 's 1938 mandate for parachutes and a temporary 1933 ban in the . Notable performers like Gladys Roy, who in 1925 executed a record-low from 100 feet while wing walking and partnered in mid-air matches, exemplified the era's acrobatic extremes, often filmed for newsreels to amplify their fame. By the mid-20th century, stricter regulations and improved safety technologies, such as harnesses and cables approved by authorities like the in 1967, revived wing walking as a controlled at air shows. In contemporary times, wing walking persists as an extreme aerobatic discipline, performed by professional teams using restored aircraft like the Stearman biplane, with operations limited to altitudes of around 1,000 feet to ensure safety and visibility for audiences. Recent U.S. enforcement actions, including license revocations for unsafe operations as of 2024, underscore ongoing regulatory oversight. Pioneering figures such as Carol Pilon, the first female jet wingwalker and a Canadian performer active since 1999, have expanded the sport's reach, conducting displays across and at speeds up to 187 miles per hour while mentoring new participants through teams like Third Strike Wingwalking. All-female squads, such as the AeroSuperBatics Wingwalkers (formerly the Breitling Wing Walkers, founded by AeroSuperBatics), draw millions of spectators annually at events as of 2025, underscoring wing walking's enduring appeal as a blend of athleticism, precision, and historical heritage despite its inherent challenges.

History

Origins in Early Aviation

Wing walking is the act of a performer standing, walking, or moving along the exterior surfaces of an , particularly its wings, while the aircraft is in flight. This practice originated as informal stunts by military pilots during , who would climb out of the to conduct in-flight repairs on their fragile biplanes, such as fixing jammed guns or loose components. The key pioneer of wing walking was , a 26-year-old pilot in the U.S. Army Air Service. On November 8, 1918, Locklear performed the first documented public wing walking demonstration at Barron Field in Everman, , captivating onlookers by strolling across the wing of his training aircraft. Motivated initially by practical necessities like securing a sprung radiator cap mid-flight, Locklear soon recognized the stunt's potential to entertain, using it to wow crowds during his remaining military service. In the early 1920s, the post-World War I surplus of inexpensive military aircraft, including the popular Curtiss JN-4 Jenny biplane, fueled a burgeoning culture of aviation exhibitions and thrill-seeking spectacles. Demobilized pilots like Locklear, who left the Army Air Service in 1919, transitioned to civilian performances, showcasing wing walking to eager audiences at airfields and fairs. Early stunts were rudimentary, involving simple walks, poses, and transfers between wings, all executed without harnesses, wires, or other safety devices, relying solely on the performer's balance and the aircraft's steady flight. Locklear's promising career ended abruptly on August 2, 1920, when he and co-pilot Milton "Skeets" Elliott crashed fatally into oil derricks during a nighttime dive for the film in , blinded by unextinguished ground lights. This incident highlighted the perilous nature of early wing walking and became the first major tragedy in its history. Locklear's exploits laid the groundwork for the 's proliferation in the barnstorming shows of the 1920s.

The Barnstorming Era

Barnstorming in aviation refers to the practice of independent pilots traveling across rural areas of America and Europe in the 1920s, using makeshift airfields such as farmers' fields to stage ticketed air shows featuring aerobatic stunts and passenger rides. These exhibitions often drew crowds by landing unannounced near towns, buzzing villages to attract attention before performing loops, dives, and wing walking on surplus World War I biplanes like the Curtiss JN-4 Jenny. The economic drivers behind stemmed from the post-World War I surplus of inexpensive —sold by the U.S. government for as little as $200 each—and a lack of commercial aviation jobs for thousands of trained pilots, leaving many to seek income through these spectacles. emerged as a particularly crowd-drawing act, with performers charging admission fees of around 50 cents per viewer for ground shows, while short passenger flights cost $1 to $5, providing a precarious but vital in an era before regulated airlines. This hand-to-mouth existence often involved touring from town to town, repairing planes with local help, and relying on the thrill of danger to fill seats. Notable female pioneers helped define the era's daring spirit, with Lillian Boyer performing in 352 exhibitions across 41 U.S. states and from 1921 to 1929, including 143 auto-to-plane transfers and 37 parachute jumps alongside standard wing walking routines. Similarly, Ethel Dare (Margie Hobbs) gained fame for midair plane-to-plane transfers and wing walking stunts, captivating audiences as one of the era's premier aerialists before regulations curtailed such acts in the late . These women, often transitioning from circus backgrounds, broke gender barriers in a male-dominated field, performing feats that inspired public fascination with . Group dynamics in evolved into organized "flying circuses," such as the Flying Aces Air Circus led by Jimmy and Jessie Woods, which incorporated wing walking, parachuting, and mid-air transfers into coordinated routines performed for thousands over nearly a decade in the . Teams like these traveled together, sharing resources and amplifying the spectacle to draw larger crowds, with performers like Jessie Woods executing rope ladder climbs and wing walks under the planes to heighten the drama. Wing walking during the era played a key role in popularizing , demonstrating its accessibility and excitement through newsreels that captured stunts for urban theaters and inspiring cultural works like songs celebrating aerial daredevils, which helped shift public perception from wartime novelty to everyday adventure. However, the practice declined by the late due to increasing federal regulations on low-altitude flying and the onset of the , which reduced disposable income for . A highlight was the 1927 in Spokane, Washington, where wing walking acts were featured amid speed contests and endurance flights, drawing national attention to the sport's competitive edge. This era's unregulated thrills, building on earlier figures like who popularized wing walking in exhibition flights, cemented aviation's place in American folklore before safety laws transformed it.

Performance Techniques

Basic Maneuvers

Wing walking's basic maneuvers require the use of open-cockpit biplanes, such as the Boeing Stearman, which feature wing struts serving as essential handholds for the performer during movement. These aircraft are flown at speeds typically ranging from 60 to 80 mph to achieve aerodynamic stability, allowing the performer to maintain control without excessive turbulence or vibration. In the primary stance, the performer grips the struts firmly while standing on the lower wing, focusing on balance during straight-and-level flight or gentle turns to minimize disruption to the aircraft's equilibrium. This position demands constant adjustment to the forces of wind and motion, with the performer's weight distributed to avoid straining the wing structure. Synchronization between the pilot and performer is critical, achieved through hand signals like thumbs-up for readiness or wing waggles to indicate return, alongside verbal cues when feasible; the pilot also trims the aircraft to compensate for changes in the center of gravity as the performer shifts positions. Such coordination ensures precise timing for movements, preventing sudden imbalances that could affect flight path. Entry procedures involve the performer unstrapping from the seat after a , then climbing along the using struts and bracing wires for support, before stepping onto the wing and securing feet against the fabric surface or in designated stirrups. Exit reverses this process, with the performer retracing the route back to the once signaled by the pilot, often during a stabilized glide. These steps are practiced extensively on the ground to build for in-flight execution. The physics enabling secure footing on fabric-covered wings stems from lift forces that keep the wing surface taut and rigid, combined with drag from the relative airflow over the wing, which presses the performer's feet downward against the material to resist slipping even at operational speeds. This interaction of aerodynamic forces provides the necessary grip without additional adhesives, relying on the biplane's design for consistent performance.

Advanced Stunts

Advanced stunts in wing walking represent the pinnacle of aerial , demanding exceptional physical conditioning, precise timing, and synchronization with the aircraft's maneuvers. These gravity-defying actions evolved from the era of the , where performers pushed the boundaries of early to captivate audiences. Unlike basic standing techniques, which serve as prerequisites for stability, advanced stunts involve inverted positions and transitions that expose participants to extreme forces and risks. Handstands and inverted poses form a core element of advanced routines, where performers execute inversions on the upper wings during loops or rolls, often maintaining the position for 10-20 seconds against g-forces of 4-6 times gravity. Pioneered by in the late , these maneuvers require performers to grip struts or harnesses while countering the centrifugal pull, showcasing balance amid rapid altitude changes. Locklear's innovations included hanging poses using only teeth to grasp trapeze bars or ladders, setting the standard for such displays. Mid-air transfers exemplify the technical evolution of wing walking, involving performers moving between two aircraft in close formation, a stunt first perfected by Locklear and his team in the 1920s using Curtiss Jenny biplanes. This required exact coordination to leap or crawl across a short gap at speeds around 80 mph, often during straight-and-level flight to minimize turbulence. Historical teams like the "Locklears" demonstrated this by transferring via rope ladders or direct wing contact, thrilling crowds at air shows and influencing later aerobatic acts. Unique stunts further highlight the creativity of wing walkers, such as playing or dancing on the wings, which demand precise timing to account for wind resistance and aircraft vibration. In 1925, Gladys Roy and Ivan Unger performed a simulated tennis match atop a at 3,280 feet over , using lightweight rackets while strapped to the wing for safety. Roy also danced the Charleston on the wing during flight, adapting her movements to the plane's pitch and yaw. Modern advanced stunts rely on aircraft like the Stearman PT-13 biplane, a radial-engine trainer from the 1930s capable of up to +4 G positive and -2 G negative loads during aerobatics, providing the stability needed for inverted work. These airframes, with their open cockpits and wire-braced wings, facilitate secure mounting points for performers. Training for advanced stunts progresses methodically from static poses to dynamic sequences, emphasizing core strength for g-force resistance and spatial awareness to judge aircraft attitude. Participants begin with ground-based repetitions of climbs and balances on mock wings, advancing to in-flight handstands before incorporating rolls. This build-up, often spanning weeks at specialized academies, focuses on proprioception exercises to maintain orientation amid disorienting maneuvers.

Safety and Equipment

Historical Safety Practices

In the pre-1930s era of wing walking, particularly during the period of the , safety measures were virtually nonexistent, with performers relying almost entirely on personal skill, balance, and rudimentary for grip on the aircraft's fabric-covered wings. No standardized harnesses, parachutes, or safety wires were employed, as the daring nature of the stunts emphasized unaided to captivate audiences. Wing walkers like embodied this approach, prioritizing spectacle over protection, with his motto "Safety second" underscoring the era's cavalier attitude toward risk. Improvised aids, such as heavy canvas belts reinforced with leather and equipped with D-rings for attachment to aircraft struts via cables or ropes, were occasionally used by some performers, including Nona Malloy Goard in the late ; however, these were often discarded during routines to maintain the illusion of authenticity and heighten the thrill. Common hazards included sudden wind gusts that could dislodge performers from altitudes typically ranging from 500 to 2,000 feet, as well as structural failures in overloaded surplus biplanes like the Curtiss Jenny, which were frequently modified beyond their design limits to accommodate stunts and passengers. These war-era , pushed to extremes during aerobatic maneuvers, were prone to or frame stress under the combined weight and forces, contributing to catastrophic incidents. Advanced stunts, such as mid-air plane transfers, amplified these dangers by increasing exposure to erratic and mechanical strain. The high fatality rate reflected these shortcomings, with at least eight documented deaths among wing walkers by late 1919 alone, often from falls or crashes during unauthorized low-altitude performances. Notable tragedies included Ormer Locklear's fatal 1920 crash while filming a nighttime for , where poor visibility led to a collision with the ground, killing him and his co-pilot. By the early , 18 of the top 23 aerial performers had perished, many in wing walking-related accidents. Performers like , who completed over 350 shows from 1921 to 1929 including numerous near-misses during auto-to-plane transfers and jumps, retired amid mounting risks and regulatory pressures. Regulatory responses began with the Air Commerce Act of 1926, which introduced federal oversight including pilot licensing, aircraft inspections, and prohibitions on hazardous low-altitude stunts over populated areas, effectively curbing operations. In 1936, U.S. authorities banned wing walking below 1,500 feet and required parachutes for performances above 2,000 feet, leading to the decline of the practice by the late 1930s. These measures, enforced by the Bureau of Air Commerce, shifted toward safer commercial standards and marked the end of the unregulated era.

Modern Safety Standards

Modern safety standards for wing walking prioritize engineered protections and to minimize risks during aerobatic performances, drawing lessons from historical fatalities that highlighted the dangers of unsecured stunts. Performers are secured with five-point harnesses that distribute forces across the body, allowing controlled movement on the while withstanding high-G loads typical of aerobatic flight. These harnesses are connected via durable cables, often stainless steel wires anchored to the aircraft's center section for optimal load distribution and stability during maneuvers. parachutes are integrated into the performer's gear, featuring quick-release mechanisms to enable deployment if separation from the aircraft becomes necessary, though entanglement risks limit their use in some operations. used for wing walking, such as the Boeing Stearman , undergo modifications including reinforced wing structures to handle aerobatic stresses, and must be certified for such operations with annual inspections in accordance with FAA Part 91 requirements. Performers also meet medical standards, including physical exams to assess tolerance and overall fitness, ensuring they can endure the physiological demands of flight. Regulatory oversight by the FAA and EASA mandates approvals for airshow stunts, including certificates of waiver or authorization to perform below standard aerobatic altitudes. Operations over crowds require specific waivers, with minimum heights typically not less than 500 feet above ground level and adherence to weather minimums such as visibility of at least 3 statute miles and cloud clearances to prevent disorientation or collisions. In , the FAA revoked the license of a wing walking operator for non-compliance with certification requirements, highlighting ongoing enforcement of safety standards.

Modern Wing Walking

Professional Circuits and Events

Wing walking experienced a revival in the 1970s through professional teams in the United States, where performers reintroduced tethered routines at airshows following stricter aviation regulations that ended the unregulated era. By the early 1980s, the activity gained momentum in with the formation of dedicated teams, marking a modern boom characterized by synchronized aerobatic displays and international performances. Contemporary professional wing walking is prominently featured at major airshows and festivals, where teams execute formation routines incorporating advanced stunts such as rolls and transfers between aircraft. Key events include the Royal International Air Tattoo (RIAT) in the , where teams like the former Breitling Wingwalkers have performed since the early , drawing crowds with high-energy displays. In , acts appear at gatherings like the National Airshow and Thunder Over , emphasizing precision maneuvers over Stearman s. Other notable venues encompass the Airshow in the UK and the in , which host annual wing walking segments as part of broader spectacles. Leading professional teams operate with specialized biplanes and trained performers to deliver these routines. AeroSuperBatics, based in the UK and active since 1984, is the world's only formation wingwalking team, using five Boeing Stearman aircraft for synchronized aerobatics and holding for feats like the most consecutive wing walking rolls. In 2025, the team set a new for the shortest person (male) to wing walk. Previously sponsored as the Breitling Wingwalkers until 2018, the team has expanded to include public experience flights alongside display bookings. In the , Third Strike Wingwalking, led by Carol Pilon since 2000, performs at numerous airshows annually with a focus on solo and duo routines. Other groups include 46 Aviation in , which integrates wing walking into and aerobatic displays, and the Scandinavian Skycats team, known for high-profile European festival appearances. The global distribution of professional wing walking centers on North America and Europe, with established operations in the US, UK, Switzerland, and Scandinavia, supported by robust airshow circuits. Emerging scenes are developing in Australia, Asia—including regular performances in China, Japan, India, and the Philippines—and the Middle East, driven by international invitations to teams like AeroSuperBatics. The economic model for professional wing walking relies on sponsorships from aviation, watch, and consumer brands—such as past deals with Breitling and Crunchie—to fund operations, aircraft maintenance, and pilot salaries, often covering costs through performance fees at airshows. Additional revenue streams include ticketed public wing walking experiences, priced from £400 to £500 per flight in the UK, and corporate event bookings that enhance brand visibility at festivals and private functions.

Training and Participant Experiences

Modern wing walking training emphasizes safety through structured programs offered by specialized academies, such as the Mason Wing Walking Academy in , which provides hands-on instruction compliant with FAA regulations for exhibition flying. Participants undergo a full-day course that includes ground-based simulations to develop balance and climbing techniques on a stationary Stearman biplane, followed by in-flight practice where they progress from basic positioning on the upper wing to more advanced movements along the lower wing, all while secured by a harness and cable system. This process typically spans 4-5 hours of coaching before a 25-minute flight incorporating introductory , building confidence through repetitive drills that simulate real flight conditions. The step-by-step progression in these programs starts with physical assessments and ground exercises to ensure participants can handle the demands of climbing and maintaining stability, then advances to supervised flights where instructors guide maneuvers from the via . Over the course of a single intensive day, trainees master transfers between wing sections and basic poses, with more extended professional paths potentially involving multiple sessions to refine skills for competitive displays, though formal FAA is not required beyond the pilot's credentials and adherence to rules. Safety standards, including weight limits under 230 pounds and mandatory harness use, enable this controlled environment, minimizing risks during training. Participant demographics typically include adults aged 18 and older, with no strict upper age limit but requirements for , flexibility, and stamina; many are thrill-seekers in their 20s to 50s, while older individuals up to 70 or 80 may participate after providing medical clearance, such as a doctor's note confirming suitability for high-adrenaline activities. No prior experience is necessary, attracting a diverse group from hobbyists to aspiring professionals who seek the rush of aerial performance. Sensory experiences during wing walking are intense and multifaceted, with participants reporting overwhelming wind noise and vibration at speeds up to 150 mph, coupled with varying G-forces—up to during loops that press the body downward and negative G creating brief during rolls. At altitudes of 500 to 2,500 feet, the adrenaline surge from panoramic views and the precarious height amplifies the thrill, often described as a profound mix of , exhilaration, and empowerment, with the roar of the engine and rush of air engaging all senses in a uniquely immersive way. Accessibility to wing walking varies by commitment level, with one-time experience flights available for $850, allowing basic upper-wing walking and introductory , while full courses cost $1,250 and equip participants with professional-level skills including lower-wing maneuvers. These options make the activity approachable for casual adventurers, though aspiring professionals may invest in additional sessions or equipment, pushing total costs beyond $5,000 for comprehensive preparation and ongoing practice.

References

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