flying circus

American  

noun

1. a squadron of airplanes operating together, especially any of several squadrons of famous World War I aviators.

2. a carnival troupe, or the like, offering exhibitions of stunt flying at fairs, circuses, etc.

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flying circus British  

noun

1. an exhibition of aircraft aerobatics

2. the aircraft and men who take part in such exhibitions

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Example Sentences

Known for his ability to make “wing-walking” repairs during his stint in the Army Air Service, Locklear quit the military after WWI to form the Locklear Flying Circus.

From Los Angeles Times

A statue of Terry Jones, celebrating him as the Nude Organist from Monty Python's Flying Circus, will be unveiled on the seafront of his home town of Colwyn Bay next year.

From BBC

Growing up in the Toronto area, Myers said he and his siblings — including his brother Mike, the future “Shrek” and “Austin Powers” star — were avid fans of sketch comedy shows like “Monty Python’s Flying Circus” and “Saturday Night Live.”

From Los Angeles Times

Given Gilliam’s wildly creative sensibilities, you’d be forgiven for assuming Clement was raised on “Monty Python’s Flying Circus,” based on the similarities between the Pythons and his absurdist comedy style, epitomized by “Flight of the Conchords” and “What We Do in the Shadows.”

From Salon

Six weeks later, she was back on her stilts at Rio’s most iconic concert venue, Flying Circus, and nursing in her dressing room.

From Seattle Times