Tex Johnston's Daring Barrel Roll Sells the Boeing 707 to the World
On August 7th, 1955, Tex Johnston, Boeing's chief test pilot, performed a daring barrel roll in front of airline executives on Lake Washington, near Seattle.
The stunt was meant to showcase the capabilities of the Boeing 707, a prototype jet airliner that was about to revolutionize commercial air travel. Johnston flew the Dash 80, as it was known, at around 1,500 feet and completed two full revolutions, leaving the executives on the yachts below in awe.
Boeing's CEO, Bill Allen, was reportedly furious with Johnston for risking the aircraft and its passengers. However, when asked to explain his actions, Johnston simply replied, 'I was selling airplanes.'
The stunt had the desired effect: it convinced the airline executives that jet airliners were safe and reliable. Orders for the 707 began pouring in, starting with Pan Am, followed by American Airlines, and eventually every major US carrier.