The Beginning of an Era - Signed A.M. "Tex" Johnston

Dimensions: 15.5" x 18.5"
Signature: A. M. "Tex" Johnston

Plane Type: B367-80

In 1950 Boeing tentatively produced a specification for a jet airliner dubbed the Model 473-60C. The airlines were unconvinced because they had no experience with jet transports and were enjoying success with piston engined aircraft such as the Douglas DC-4, DC-6, Boeing Stratocruser and Lockheed Constilation. The Dash 80 rolled out of the factory on May 15, 1954, two years after the project was approved and 18 months after construction had started. During a series of taxi trials the port landing gear collapsed on May 22; the damage was quickly repaired and the first flight was on July 15, 1954.

As part of the Dash 80's demonstration program, Bill Allen invited representatives of the Aircraft Industries Association (AIA) and International Air Transport Association (IATA) to the Seattle's 1955 Seafair and Gold Cup Hydroplane Races held on Lake Washington on August 6, 1955. The Dash 80 was scheduled to perform a simple flyover, but Boeing test pilot Alvin "Tex" Johnston instead performed two Barrel Rolls to show off the jet airliner.

The next day, Allen summoned Johnston to his office and told him not to perform such a maneuver again, to which Johnston replied that he was simply "selling airplanes" and asserted that doing so was completely safe. The rest is history as  Boeing has become the leader in Commercial Jet Aircraft.

About our Framing:
This Aviation Collectible is exquisitely Custom Framed with double mattes and comes in a 1 ½” Matte Black Frame. We’ve opened up the matte on the bottom to showcase the authentic pencil signature of the pilot/s who flew this aircraft. All of our Aviation Collectibles come with a Certificate of Authenticity to ensure that the signatures are real and your purchase will be collectible for years to come.

Signature:
A. M. "Tex" Johnston - Best known for performing a barnstormer-style barrel-roll maneuver with Boeing's first real jet airliner the 367-80 in a demonstration flight over Lake Washington outside of Seattle, on August 7, 1955, "Tex" Johnston began his aviation career in the 30's as one of America's barnstormers. He later He became a test pilot for Boeing in July 1948 where he flew the B-47 Stratojet and piloted the first flight of the Boeing B-52 Stratofortress prototype.


PLANE JUNKIE -  The Beginning of an Era (Boeing 367-80)