A precision flight squadron made up of six WW II vintage North American SNJ-2s, the world-famous GEICO Skytypers Air Show Team performs exciting flight maneuvers at many top airshows across the country. One of the most widely recognized airshow teams, the Skytypers have been thrilling crowds for decades, and can often be seen in GEICO commercials with an airsick GEICO gecko flying backseat!
The History
The Skytypers began operation in 1932, when a little-known beverage company hired Andy Stinis (pictured here) to perform skywriting to promote its product. That company was Pepsi-Cola, and for the next 22 years the company used skywriting as its best mass advertising medium. In 1946, Andy developed what he called “skytyping,” a faster, more advanced method of skywriting using multiple aircraft to create more complex displays and messages in the sky. Skytyping produced a high-quality image, with messages that were clearer at long distances and stayed intact much longer. In 1964, Andy was awarded the patent for computer-controlled skytyping between multiple aircraft.
This story is from the April 2020 edition of Flight Journal.
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This story is from the April 2020 edition of Flight Journal.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
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Scourge of the Allied Fighters
IT HAD TO BE THE MOST HELPLESS FEELING in the world: you're at 25,000 feet over Europe knowing that your primary function is to drop bombs-or flying escort for the bombers while being a slow-moving target for some of the world's finest shooters. However, you have John Browning's marvelous .50 caliber invention to give some degree of protection. Unfortunately, you're absolutely helpless against flak. Piloting and gunnery skills play no role in a game where sheer chance makes life and death decisions. For that reason, the Krupp 88 mm Flak 18/36/37 AA cannon could be considered WW II's ultimate stealth fighter. You never saw it coming.
ZERO MYTH, MYSTERY, AND FACT
A test pilot compares the A6M5 Zero to U.S. fighters
Fw 190 STURMBÖCKE
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American BEAUTY
\"Forgotten Fifteenth\" top-scoring Mustang ace John J. Voll
BANSHEE WAIL!
Flying Skulls over Burma
KILLER CORSAIR
Albert Wells, Death Rattlers Ace
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Canada's rugged, fabric-covered workhorse
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