| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| HTA ID | HTA-0444 |
| Title | Wing Walking — The Flying Circus (PM Magazine Version) |
| Date | c. 1980–1981 |
| Date Confidence | MODERATE — PM Magazine Fantasy Week; the Flying Circus Aerodrome in Bealeton, Virginia operated during this period |
| Program | PM Magazine (Fantasy Week) |
| Station | WDVM-TV (formerly WTOP-TV), Channel 9, Washington DC |
| Duration | ~8:30 |
| Format | Participatory feature / Fantasy fulfillment |
Henry answers a classified ad in the Washington Post: "Wing Walker Wanted. No experience necessary. Male or female considered. To perform Sundays at the Flying Circus Aerodrome near Washington. Pay not great, but glory commensurate to risk." He auditions alongside other applicants including students, a picture framer, a newspaper writer, a wine salesperson, and a White House news photographer named Nua Hazian.
The piece opens at the Air and Space Museum with Henry explaining that several viewers had fantasies about barnstorming. Ron David of the air circus runs the auditions, providing a 20-minute briefing and ground practice. The veteran wing walker, Bill Fitzsimmons (a motel manager with four wing walks to his credit), demonstrates the technique.
Henry's actual wing walk is the climax: climbing out of the cockpit at 2,000 feet, 70 knots, securing himself to a brace on top of the wing. He describes it as "about as physically demanding as climbing a jungle gym — but here, a misstep would result in more than a skinned knee." The pilot then takes them into a barrel roll at 140 knots. Henry vows to "never again volunteer for anything more dangerous than jogging." When offered the job, he runs away — literally.
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| People | Henry Tenenbaum (reporter/participant), Ron David (air circus operator), Bill Fitzsimmons (veteran wing walker), Nua Hazian (White House photographer/applicant), Klein Mengle (cameraman) |
| Organizations | WDVM-TV, PM Magazine, Flying Circus Aerodrome, Washington Post |
| Locations | Bealeton (Buitton), Virginia; Air and Space Museum, Washington DC |
| Subjects | Aviation, wing walking, barnstorming, stunt flying, classified ads |
| Themes | Fear and courage, participatory journalism, absurdity, adventure |
| Tone | Comic, suspenseful, self-deprecating |
"Wing Walker Wanted. No experience necessary. Pay not great, but glory commensurate to risk."
"I would like to tell you just how much skill and strength is involved in wing walking. In truth, the task I took on was about as physically demanding as climbing a jungle gym. But here, a misstep would result in more than a skinned knee."
"I vowed to live a clean life hereafter, to always come to work on time, to never miss a deadline, and to never again volunteer for anything more dangerous than jogging."
Multi-location shoot: Air and Space Museum (intro), Flying Circus Aerodrome in Bealeton (auditions and ground training), aerial footage from a chase plane (cameraman Klein Mengle). The piece includes Henry's characteristic escalation structure: comic setup, genuine danger, self-deprecating resolution. The chase plane footage and aerial photography required significant production resources. Part of PM Magazine's Fantasy Week series.
| Type | Reference |
|---|---|
| Existing Record | HTA-0345 Wing Walk — likely an alternate version or the Eyewitness News version of this same event |
| Series | PM Magazine Fantasy Week |
| Theme | HTA-0439 Aerobatics (Sean Tucker) — later aviation story |
| Tape | HN_32 — compound tape, also contains Tall Ship story (HTA-0443) |
| Era | PM Magazine/WDVM period (1979–1981) |
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Source File | HN_32 PM Tall ship_Wing Walk.txt |
| Alternate Files | Wing Walk.txt (may be the Eyewitness News version, see HTA-0345) |
| Source Location | /transcript_working/!transcript macwhisper/ |
| Transcription Quality | Good — clear audio, vivid narration |
| Repository Status | Preserved |
This is the PM Magazine version of the Wing Walking story, presented as part of Fantasy Week. The existing HTA-0345 record may be the Eyewitness News (WDVM) version of the same event, or it may be a different edit. Henry confirmed that Aerobatics (Sean Tucker, KRON era) is a completely separate story from Wing Walking. The Flying Circus Aerodrome in Bealeton, Virginia, was a real operation that offered weekend airshows and barnstorming experiences. The classified ad in the Washington Post is a wonderful period detail. Henry's cameraman Klein Mengle is identified by name — a rare production credit in the transcripts. The piece is one of Henry's most famous participatory stories and exemplifies his willingness to put himself in genuine physical danger for a story.
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Review Date | 2026-07-06 |
| Source File | Wing Walking PM version.mp4 |
| Source Location | Dropbox / PM MAGAZINE folder |
| Duration (confirmed) | ~7:00 |
| Video Quality | Good |
Henry on the wing of a biplane in flight. This is the PM Magazine version of the wing walking feature — one of Henry's most physically daring pieces. The biplane performs maneuvers while Henry is strapped to the top wing. Aerial photography captures the landscape below.
| Timestamp | Content |
|---|---|
| Opening | Introduction to wing walking, historical context |
| Middle | Safety briefing, strapping in |
| Middle | Takeoff and initial flight |
| Climax | Aerobatic maneuvers with Henry on wing |
| End | Landing and reaction |
Henry stands on the wing of a biplane during flight — one of the most physically dangerous things he ever did for a story. He is strapped to the top wing while the plane performs maneuvers. His genuine fear and exhilaration are visible.
This represents the extreme end of Henry's participatory journalism spectrum. While many of his pieces involve mild discomfort or embarrassment, wing walking involves genuine mortal danger. The piece demonstrates his commitment to experiencing stories firsthand, no matter the risk.
Standard PM Magazine transition.