These pilots made local headlines and were treated like heroes. Using Jennys, Canucks, Wacos, and anything else that could fly, the Barnstormers inspired a generation to span oceans, cross deserts, and eventually land a man on the moon and bring him back again—of the first seven astronauts, all but one was inspired by a Barnstormer or had an early exposure to aviation.

Today’s kids have just as much of an appetite for adventure, but their opportunities for hands-on exposure are limited. That’s where we come in.