Charles Lindbergh

The flight of Charles A. Lindbergh was actually three phases.   The preflight that was step of obtaining the plane, the arrangements of sponsors, and making a list of land marks.   Probably the most important phase out of all was the actual flight from New York to Paris, France.   The final phase would consist of a man turning into a hero when he finally reaches Paris.  
      The preflight arrangements for Charles A. Lindbergh’s flight began in early 1927.   Charles A. Lindbergh presented his proposal to Knight, Bixby, and other St. Louis businesspersons whom were impressed with Lindbergh’s confidence and agreed to sponsor his flight.   Lindbergh had setup a $15,000 budget and $2,000 of which was Lindberghs.   A name, the Spirit of St. Louis, was established.   Lindbergh was to choose the plane and decide on all other aspects of the proposed flight.   According to Lindbergh, a single-engine plane, rather than a multiengine plane increased the chance of success.   His theory was the less weight, the more fuel, the greater range.   The experts would say that a solo flight across the Atlantic was simply suicide.   The burden on the pilot was considered too great—he would have to stay awake for over thirty hours, enduring constant stresses.   Immediately, Lindbergh began searching for the right plane at the right price.   He contacted a number of aircraft companies.   Some did not respond and some turned him down.   Things were not looking good for Lindbergh.   In early February 1927, the Ryan Airlines Corporation of San Diego, California, had responded within twenty-four hours of receiving Lindbergh’s telegram regarding a plane for his proposed transatlantic flight.   Yes, they could produce a plane that could fly nonstop from New York to Paris.   It would cost $6,000 not including the engine, and would take three months to build.   The Ryan workers worked on the Spirit of St. Louis morning, noon, and night, seven days a week.   Voluntary overtime became a... [continues]

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