In the roaring 1920s, barnstorming and flying circuses featuring wing walkers and aerial acrobatics soared in popularity. Pop-up airstrips were created in rural communities throughout the United States to support biplanes, like the Curtiss JN-4, used in these traveling air shows. Toward the end of the decade, though, the novelty faded but the FBOs (fixed-based operations) that they created have lived on. In the last five years, many have morphed from clean but utilitarian stopping points where pilots could grab a cup of coffee between flights, or aircraft owners could do a quick Zoom call before heading on a business trip. Signature Aviation, acquired several years ago by Cascade Investment (Bill Gates’ investment arm), the Blackstone Group and Global Infrastructure Partners, has invested many millions into infrastructure, with 80 ongoing projects across its global network. Many FBOs have maintenance and service facilities attached. Other privately held businesses, such as Clay..
