Boeing 707 roll by Test Pilot Tex Johnson

Now That’s a Great Pilot!

The Boeing 707 test program ran for about four years, but one moment truly stands out—thanks to legendary test pilot Tex Johnson. Known for his bold approach, Johnson had a unique way of impressing aircraft executives during demo flights.

“I knew one maneuver that was completely safe,” Johnson recalled in an interview. “I decided to do a roll to impress people.” And impress he did. One of his test engineers, camera in hand, captured the now-famous shot of the 707 completely upside down, with its engines on top and Lake Washington below. Just imagine the engineer’s skill—snapping a picture mid-roll while hanging upside down!

The next morning, Johnson was summoned by his superior. Calm and confident, he explained that the maneuver was a 1G roll—entirely non-hazardous. “I was just trying to sell airplanes,” he said.

And sell airplanes he did. Tex Johnson’s daring move became legendary, a testament to his skills and showmanship. What a pilot!