Boeing's Test Pilot Rolled Its First Jetliner Upside Down. On Purpose.

August 7, 1955, Seattle. During the Seafair Gold Cup hydroplane races over Lake Washington, Boeing test pilot Alvin "Tex" Johnston flew the 367-80 "Dash 80", the prototype of the 707, low over the lake while airline executives watched, and rolled it all the way over. Twice. Boeing president Bill Allen asked a guest with a heart condition for one of his pills. A barrel roll flown right keeps positive g the whole way round, so even upside down, tea poured into a cup stays in the cup. The next day Johnston said he was just selling airplanes, and orders for the 707 poured in. Sources: HistoryLink.org (essay 390); Jalopnik; Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum (Boeing 367-80). #aviation #boeing #history