Vertigo Airshows​

From Air Show Wiki about Bill Barber

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Like many of the airshow flyers of that era, Bill experimented by modifying existing trainers and sport planes, giving them the show business treatment with flashy paint, wheel pants, speed cowling and often a smoke system. Bill always purchased air show planes based on the design, not the airplane itself. The airplane had to have "the look" -- the long-in-front, short-in-back look typical of Italian racing cars and along the lines of racing airplanes such as the Gee Bee. With certain cosmetic modifications, Bill could coax that look from a biplane as well as a monoplane. 

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Bill Barber developed a large collection of aircraft. Where most pilots would upgrade their air show mount and sell the previous one, Bill had such affection for his aircraft that he kept them. Many were stabled in his fleet of working air show machines - from an 85 HP Clipped Wing Cub and a Curtiss Falcon to a Bücker Jungman, a Pitts Special S1S and a 450 HP Super Stearman. 

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There were occasions where Bill flew four of his airplanes at the same show, shifting gears and techniques to accommodate the best features of each aircraft and still maintaining a commitment to safety. The distinctly different power-to-weight ratios and flight characteristics of each aircraft made this a rare talent -- and it is still rare today. 

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Further, Bill performed many different acts in his Clipped Wing Cub alone, including skywriting, a deadstick routine, a comedy act, a rope ladder pickup, and a car-top landing. He also performed team aerobatics and a wingwalking routine. He once performed 14 different air show acts during a two-day show near Chicago. This uncommon ability prompted one aviation writer to dub him "Aerobatic Flying's Renaissance Man" and another, "The One-Man Air Show."

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Bill Barber flew two significant performances in the last year of his life. His last paying air show was at his home base in Ann Arbor, Michigan. His last public performance was at the 1987 EAA Convention and Air Show at Oshkosh. On October 10, 1987, Barber died of cancer at home, surrounded by his family and friends.

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In his memory, Dave Weiman, editor and publisher of World Airshow News, originated the Bill Barber Award for Showmanship, which is presented each year to an outstanding performer in the air show industry. The Bill Barber Award for Showmanship spotlights an air show performer who has demonstrated superb showmanship ability. Presented annually by World Airshow News and friends and family of the late Bill Barber, air show performer extraordinaire, the award recognizes an air show entertainer who has demonstrated superb showmanship ability. Past recipients compose the selection committee.

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Past Recipients

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Greg Koontz - 2014

Skip Stewart - 2013

Matt Younkin - 2012

Rich and Dee Gibson -2011

Steve Oliver and Suzanne Asbury-Oliver - 2010

Michael Goulian - 2009

Bud Granley - 2008

Dacy Family Airshow Team - 2007

Danny Clisham - 2006

Pietsch Airshows - 2005

Bobby Younkin - 2004

Jim LeRoy - 2003

AeroShell Aerobatic Team - 2002

Northern Lights Aerobatic Team - 2001

John Mohr - 2000

Dan Buchanan - 1999

Patty Wagstaff - 1998

Gene Soucy & Teresa Stokes - 1997

Wayne Handley - 1996

Bob Hoover - 1995

bob & Annette Hosking - 1994

Red Baron Stearman Squadron - 1993

Sean D Tucker - 1992

Julie Clark - 1991

Leo Loudenslager - 1990

Jimmy Franklin - 1989

No Award - 1988

The French Connection - 1987

Eagles Aerobatic Flight Team - 1986

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