Soaring into the past
Flying Circus Airshow in Virginia summons memories of yesteryear’s daredevils.
A Cole Porter recording crackles and pops over a loudspeaker as World War II-era aircraft wait in a neat row on a grassy field. A pilot dons a leather helmet and large goggles. All the elements are in place to transport onlookers back to a place in time when aerial daredevils put on death-defying feats high above to the amazement of crowds assembled below.
Similar to their barnstorming predecessors, the Flying Circus Airshow features wing walking, acrobatic flying, even comedy routines. Part vaudeville, part classic air show, all this takes place in a rural setting outside Bealeton, Va.,about 11 miles southeast of Warrenton. Dating back 40 years, the Flying Circus puts on a show each Sunday from early May to late October ($15 for adults, $7 for kids older than 5). You can take a biplane ride before and after (from $50 to $140).
The performers come from diverse aviation backgrounds, including commercial, private and military. Heavy on tradition, the weekly performance keeps alive the fascination people have had with aviation since humans were first able to break the bounds of gravity and take to the skies.
ncG1vNJzZmivp6x7uK3SoaCnn6Sku7G70q1lnKedZLmqssSsq7KklWS6orPAs6CnnV%2Bbubq1zaBknKGimMK0ecCiqaygn6x6tLvAq6Cnn12eu7W7jK2fnmWglsC1e5FpaG1nYG58cn2ObZlpnGVrhKZ5j5twb2VhZrJ1eZeccJplaWeApq%2FCaZpwnGJorLTAzquwZ6Ckork%3D