Amazing story... of American flair!----60 years ago: The famous Boeing 707 prototype barrel roll over Lake Washington

60 years ago: The famous Boeing 707 prototype barrel roll over Lake Washington | The Seattle Times:
"...It’s been written that Allen had contemplated firing Johnston. 
The morning after the barrel roll, Johnston was told to go to Allen’s office, where other higher-ups also were waiting.
Allen asked, “What did you think you were doing yesterday?”
Johnston replied, “Selling the airplane.”
 In his view, Johnston had a very rational explanation for the stunt, and why it was so safe.
 Here is the explanation in his book, “Jet-Age Test Pilot,” although it helps to have piloting knowledge to understand it:
“The airplane does not recognize attitude, providing a maneuver is conducted at one G.
It knows only positive and negative imposed loads and variations in thrust and drag.
The barrel roll is a one G maneuver and quite impressive, but the airplane never knows it’s inverted.”
Allen mulled that over and responded, “You know that. Now we know that. But just don’t do it anymore.”"