Barnstormersfc

Est. South Africa, 1986

About Barnstormers

Flying for Fun — Volare pro ludo

Our Story

Barnstormers Flying Club has its origins in South Africa in the late 1980s, formed by a group of young pilots who wanted to fly to exotic destinations in the African Bushveld — and have a lot of fun in doing so.

What began as a small gathering of enthusiastic aviators has grown into a proud institution that carries forward the spirit of adventure, freedom, and camaraderie that defines true flying.

The name, the logo, and the very ethos of the Club are deeply rooted in both aviation history and the natural wonder of Africa.

Barnstormers fly-away

“An adventure is an activity whereby the outcome is uncertain.”

Barnstormers

The Barnstorming Heritage

Barnstorming is steeped in romance and jaunty nostalgia, offering people the chance to slip back in time and prove that this kind of aviation is still possible. Back in the golden age, original Barnstormers just wanted to prove that flying was possible and offered the experience of the sheer joy of flight.

Barnstorming is the term used to describe itinerant flyers in the half decade immediately following World War I — flying surplus military bi-planes who buzzed the American countryside performing stunts and taking people on their first aeroplane ride.

Barnstormers earned their name from the aerobatic pilots who would land their light planes in fields and use local barns as venues for their impromptu airshows, performing almost any trick or feat with an aeroplane that people could imagine.

During the 1920s, Barnstorming became one of the most popular forms of entertainment. It was also the first major form of civil aviation in the history of flight.

The golden age of Barnstorming finally came to an end when the Depression years followed the stock market crash of 1929. However, Barnstormers had already introduced aviation to the masses, and the next generation of fliers was already on the rise.

Flying adventure

“Pilots of today’s Barnstormers Flying Club embellish the spirit of the original Barnstormers … that of flying for the pure joy of flight and sharing this experience with others.”

The Batelëur Eagle

African sky

The Barnstormers logo and ‘wings’ are drawn from the inspiration of Africa’s spectacular Batelëur Eagle. Through the ages, the Batelëur has stood as a symbol of spiritual transformation, representing strength and courage, along with being associated with the power of determination and energy to overcome obstacles.

It is often described as “one of the most beautiful and spectacular things that flies”.

The Batelëur is a distinctive symbol of the African bushveld, known for its remarkable appearance and aerobatics. They spend much of their time soaring and frequently fly with exaggerated embellishments.

Although not typically given to a forward somersault nor to loop-the-loop, Batelëurs may with some regularity perform a rapid 360-degree sideways roll. They are often given to flying with more embellishments when in the presence of another Batelëur.

The Batelëur Eagle embellishes the very essence of the spirit and character of the pilots of the Barnstormers Flying Club.

Strength
Courage
Determination
Freedom

Our Wings — The Logo

As per the Founding Constitution of 1986, the Barnstormers logo and corporate colours are: white and black on deep red, for wings to be sewn onto a khaki-coloured jacket or shirt.

If embroidering straight onto a khaki-coloured jacket, shirt, or cap, the design uses the wings with “Barnstormers” in black or deep red.

Deep Red
Black
White
Khaki

2025 Amendment

No variations on the logo are permitted. While khaki is the preferred colour for apparel, other colours that suit individual tastes may be selected, onto which the logo may be placed. The logo itself may not be changed in any way.

Original Barnstormer Wings

Barnstormer Wings

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