Picture this: Boeing’s chief test pilot takes a brand-new 707 prototype—the company’s entire future riding on its success—and rolls it. Twice. In front of thousands of potential customers. That’s exactly what Tex Johnston did, and the story behind that audacious barrel roll is even better than you’d think.
Alvin “Tex” Johnston was born in Admire, Kansas in August of 1914. He took his first flight in 1925, at the age of eleven, when a barnstormer landed near his home. On that day, he decided that he would become a pilot. After flight training, he soloed his first flight at the age of 15.
In his adult years, he dropped out of college before completing his engineering courses. Then Tex Johnston worked for Bell Aircraft and Boeing as a test pilot. He is famous for his Boeing 707 and B-52 test flights. He was also a flight instructor in the Civilian Pilot Training Program, and the U.S. Army Air Corps Ferry Command.
Now here’s the part most people don’t know. Here’s the thing: johnston was known for his larger than life personality. He received the nickname “Tex” because of the stetson hat and cowboy boots he liked to wear. But Johnston is even better known for executing a barrel roll maneuver with a Boeing 367-80–the Boeing 707 prototype…a giant airliner!
## Check out these other great stories about the Boeing 707 on our site:
Remember When American Airlines Touted Its Brand New Boeing 707 Astrojet?
With Part of The Wing Missing, This 707 STILL Made a Miracle Landing
The Footage of Tex Johnston Rolling The Jet Is A Sight To Behold
This video footage shows scenes from the 1955 Seafair and Gold Cup in Seattle. Bill Allen had invited representatives of the Aircraft Industries Association to the event and Tex delivered with that famous barrel roll.
Now here’s the part most people don’t know. As this video shows, the whole stunt was filmed, and Tex was called into the office of his supervisor. When his boss asked him what he thought he was doing rolling his plane in the air, Tex replied, “I’m selling airplanes.” With a witty reply, his job was saved.
The Boeing 707 went on to be a very successful airliner and derivatives were selected to be air refueling tankers for US and allied forces.
Tex Johnston died in 1998, at the age of 84.
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