The flying Franklins started with Kyle’s grandfather, Oliver Gene “Zip” Franklin, who bought a 1929 Doyle Special at the age of 16. The eldest Franklin mainly used airplanes as farm equipment to fly between two family ranches, and he had his son Jimmy with him in the cockpit while still in diapers before the lad learned to fly — at only 8 years old.
Airshow Performer Kyle Franklin Talks Family and Flying
Key Takeaways:
- Franklin's Flying Circus, led by Kyle Franklin, celebrates its 50th anniversary as the longest continually running airshow act, extending a multi-generational family legacy in aviation.
- Kyle Franklin was immersed in aviation from birth, learning to fly at age 8 and becoming the youngest professional wing walker at 17, continuing the family's tradition of innovative and theatrical aerobatic performances.
- Despite experiencing profound tragedies, including the deaths of his father and wife in airshow-related incidents, Kyle remains dedicated to preserving the Franklin name and legacy, developing new acts and honoring his wife's memory through charitable initiatives.
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