Recent Posts
How Did Pancho Get Inspired to Pursue Aviation?
Pancho Barnes was inspired to pursue aviation at a very early age. Her grandfather, Professor Thaddeus Lowe, took her to the 1910 International Air Meet in Los Angeles at Dominguez Field when she was 8 years old. This was America’s first Air Meet. Her grandfather was an honored guest at this event because of his aeronautical accomplishments as a balloonist. Although sadly… [Read More]
What Persuaded Pancho Barnes to Become a Stunt Pilot, and What Were Her Contributions to the Film Industry?
Pancho Barnes was never one to live an ordinary life. In the late 1920s, she learned to fly almost on a dare to herself, and her natural skill and fearless personality quickly drew her into Hollywood’s stunt flying world. She had a natural talent for precision flying, which made her invaluable to filmmakers during aviation’s golden era on screen. She… [Read More]
Thaddeus Lowe: Pancho Barnes’ Famous Grandfather
Thaddeus Sobieski Constantine Lowe (August 20, 1832 – January 16, 1913), also known as Professor TSC Lowe, was a scientist, dreamer, visionary, brilliant inventor and consummate showman. He also was a balloonist, soaring above the clouds in his hydrogen-gas-filled silk balloon suspended in a wicker basket. In 1861 at the beginning of the Civil War he figured that aerial reconnaissance via… [Read More]
Who is Pancho Barnes…
WELCOME to the “Official” blog of Pancho Barnes and the Estate of Pancho Barnes. Pancho Barnes (1901 – 1975) is considered by many to be one of the 20th century’s greatest American characters. During her lifetime, Pancho (born Florence Leontine Lowe) gained respect for her intelligence, individuality, outsized personality, creativity, entrepreneurship, humor, generosity and integrity. A legend in the aviation… [Read More]