by Dave Weiman
Published in Midwest Flyer Magazine October/November 2023 Digital Issue
(L/R) Bill Barber II, Dave Weiman, and Kyle Franklin. Photo taken at the Charlie R. Hillard Air Operations Center at EAA AirVenture 2023 in Oshkosh, Wisconsin
OSHKOSH, WIS. – Whether it is at Camp Scholler, in the exhibit buildings or on the grounds, it was nice to meet up with old friends at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh, July 24-30, 2023.
Among these friends were the children of two friends in the airshow entertainment industry, Bill Barber II, and Kyle Franklin.
Peggy and I had the pleasure of working with the fathers of these young men and have known them since they were kids. Barber II is flying with Jet Blue Airlines (his father, Bill Barber, flew for Northwest and was a renowned airshow performer), and like his father, the late great Jimmy Franklin, Kyle Franklin is a superb airshow performer! To date, there have been dozens of top airshow performers who have received the “Bill Barber Award For Showmanship” over the years, including Jimmy and Kyle Franklin. The award is presented annually at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh.
