Originally Posted by
Pilot DAR
Beyond the wow factor, I can't really see how this type of demonstration flying helps to sell airliners.
Tex Johnson would disagree with you
:
Allen had asked Johnston to make a fly-by over Seafair to show off Boeing's new airliner. Johnston performed the barrel roll during the fly-by, reversed course with a chandelle, and performed a second barrel roll on the way back.[1] The following Monday, Allen called Johnston to his office and asked what he thought he was doing, and responded with "I was selling airplanes". From
Alvin M Johnson
To give some background - Johnson famously rolled the prototype Dash 80 (forerunner to the KC-135 & 707) over Seattle in 1955, Bill Allen was president of Boeing at the time. There is video, and and impressive photograph taken from inside the 'plane across Seattle with an upside-down engine projecting from the wing:
FP.