Fearless 1930s Air Racers Did Crazy Stunts

Back in the 1980s, I made a short film to run at The Air And Space Museum sponsored by Bendix, the company who sponsored the Bendix 500 Trophy Air Races that brought so many pioneer aviators to the public eye. I got the chance to audio interview these colorful and brave old flyers and their mates making for an audio track that I am proud of.

Back in the day they were treated like rock star celebrities. They captured the public's imagination and were celebrated for their daring feats and accomplishments. These aviators were among the first to demonstrate the potential of aviation and their achievements were often compared to those of movie stars or other famous figures of the time. They received widespread media coverage and were featured in newspapers, magazines, and newsreels. Their exploits were followed closely by the public.

Jimmy Doolittle, who you here speaking in my film, was one of the most well-known and celebrated aviators of this era. He earned a reputation for his skill and daring. His fame was not limited to the aviation community; he became a national hero and a household name.

Many aviators made public appearances at airshows, exhibitions and events, where they would showcase their flying skills and interact with fans and admirers. These appearances drew huge crowds and generated significant excitement.

Some aviators secured sponsorships from aviation companies which provided financial support in exchange for promoting their products and services. This helped aviators fund their racing endeavors and further increased their visibility.

The aircraft of the time were primitive compared to modern standards and pilots had to contend with less reliable engines and navigation equipment. It was dangerous to fly these planes.

Pioneer racing aviation in the 1920s and 1930s was a thrilling and highly competitive era in the history of aviation. It was marked by air races, airshows and record-breaking attempts that captured the public's imagination and showcased the rapid advancements in aviation technology during that time.

Famous racers included:
Charles Lindbergh: Although best known for his historic solo transatlantic flight in 1927, Lindbergh also participated in air races, including the 1927 Spirit of St. Louis air race from San Diego to St. Louis, which helped fund his famous transatlantic journey.

Amelia Earhart: The pioneering aviator Amelia Earhart was not only a record-breaking pilot but also participated in air races. She notably competed in the first Women's Air Derby (nicknamed the "Powder Puff Derby") in 1929.

Roscoe Turner: Roscoe Turner was a flamboyant and colorful racer known for his red lion motif and his participation in the Bendix Trophy Race and other air races. He won several races during the 1930s.

Jacqueline Cochran: Jacqueline Cochran was one of the most accomplished female aviators of her time. She participated in various air races and became the first woman to fly faster than the speed of sound.

Airshows often featured aerobatic stunts and acrobatic flying performances. Pilots performed loops, rolls, spins, and other daring maneuvers to entertain the crowds. Many aviators aimed to break speed, distance, and altitude records.

The Bendix 500, also known as the Bendix Trophy Race, was a famous and prestigious cross-country air race that took place during the 1930s and 1940s. It was sponsored by the Bendix Corporation, an American manufacturing and engineering company. Pilots faced unpredictable weather conditions, including storms, fog, and turbulence, which added an element of danger to races and long-distance flights. Navigation was often done with basic instruments, and getting lost was a real concern.

The Bendix race ran from west to east across the United States covering a distance of approximately 2,000 miles. The race featured a wide variety of aircraft, ranging from small, single-engine planes to larger, more powerful aircraft. Participants modified their planes for increased speed and fuel efficiency. The race was a time trial, meaning that each pilot started individually, and the winner was the pilot who completed the course in the shortest elapsed time. Winners of the Bendix received the prestigious Bendix Trophy and cash prizes. The Bendix 500 continued until the outbreak of World War II.

Thank you
David Hoffman Filmmaker

[MGMG-lcfe]

Long before hazard pay and special effects... Your preservation of fascinating history does not disappoint, thank you Mr.Hoffman ✨

[ParrishWebber]

Oh my god! I need a part 2.
Thank you David for bringing this to YouTube.

[tappydani]

No idea why I started watching this now, but I don’t regret it!

[davemaki]

Holman Field was named for Charles W. "Speed" Holman (1898–1931), who was a stunt pilot, barnstormer, wing walker, parachutist, airmail pilot, aviation record holder and airline pilot. Born in Bloomington, he was the first pilot hired by Northwest Airways in 1926. In 1928, Holman set a world record of 1, 433 consecutive loops in an airplane in five hours over the St. Paul Airport. He died in an accident during an air show in Omaha in 1931 at the age of 32 wikipedia. I heard about a field near where I grew up in Maple Lake Mn where they would wing walk, like The Great Waldo Pepper movie.

[StephanieJeanne]

That ending is a cliffhanger! 😮 It's amazing he survived to an old age, but I don't think it was cool that but about flying over those other guys' heads so close and what happened. Definitely all adrenaline junkies, imo.🙃 Thanks so much!🩵

[Chris.Swearengin]

There are too many people like that anymore. Like build my own stuff as well quite interesting. Some of the things that come up with. Thanks for sharing this video David. You have a wonderful evening. Take care of my friend.

[drewpall]

Jimmy Doolittle, Amelia Earhart and all the rest of the pioneer of aviation where like pop/rock stars of their times. I have memories of my mom talking about her mom fascination over the Wright brothers when they perfected the first motorize aircraft Wright Flyer in the early 20th century. I have seem your full documentary on pioneer of aviation couple of times well done Davis Hoffman.

[MrDportjoe]

My late mother in law grew up a regular at the air races and saw more than one fatal crash.

[gracelandone]

Great footage and priceless capture of Doolittle in his own words. Once again I’m amazed/impressed with the. breadth and depth of your work. Who’s making a documentary about your contribution to your art form?

[RavenNl]

Thanks for sharing this history David ❤

[guyfaux]

The GREAT WALDO PEPPER. The last time you ever saw real wing walking and barn storming captured on film.

[guyfaux]

It's just getting good. Where's the REST?