Kyle learned to fly at 8 years old and went on to become the youngest professional wing walker at the age of 17, when he first climbed atop the family’s Waco UPF-7, Mystery Ship. Today he performs in airshows with his highly customized biplane, Dracula.
Learn the history of this flying family in the photos below.
Zip Franklin in front of what was the world’s only 1929 Doyle Special (O-3 Oriole) powered by a Chevrolair D-4 Martin 333 engine with modifications. This was Zip’s first airplane as well as the first aircraft ever made by Doyle Aero. Zip bought the airplane for $325 in 1936, the year this photo was taken.Courtesy Kyle FranklinAirshow performer Jimmy Franklin pulls his newly modified Waco UPF-7 that sports a Pratt & Whitney R-985. In 1977, when this photo was taken, the airplane was known as the Jolly Roger but would later become the Mystery Ship.Courtesy Kyle FranklinThird-generation airshow performer Kyle Franklin in his Demon-1 Franklin Aircraft, Dracula.Jon WhittleThe three generations of Franklin’s Flying Circus pose for a photo in the 1970s.Courtesy Kyle FranklinKyle Franklin says he built Dracula in the memory of his wife, Amanda, and his father, both of whom died tragically.Jon WhittleKyle stands on the wings of his father’s plane at 6 years old.Courtesy Kyle FranklinJimmy and Kyle Franklin in their airshow outfits in 1999.Courtesy Kyle FranklinKyle Franklin now has his own airshow routine in Dracula.Jon WhittleA young Kyle Franklin watches his dad, Jimmy.Courtesy Kyle FranklinKyle Franklin flies the Waco Mystery Ship with Amanda Younkin-Franklin on the wing in a routine called “Pirated Skies.” The Mystery Ship, beloved by both Jimmy and Kyle, was damaged in 2011 and is currently being repaired.Courtesy Kyle FranklinKyle Franklin continues the legacy of Franklin’s Flying Circus in Dracula.Jon Whittle
