Charles Lindbergh

After the Flight pt. 2 (Accomplishments pt.4)

After his flight, Charles Lindbergh published a book called "We" which was about his transatlantic flight. He also wrote a book called "The Spirit of St. Louis" which was an autobiography about the events leading up to and including his transatlantic flight. http://www.charleslindbergh.com/history/

Background Information pt. 2

At 18, Charles Lindbergh he went to the University of Wisconsin to study engineering, but after 2 years, he dropped out to be a daredevil pilot that performed stunts at fairs. In 1924, Charles Lindbergh enlisted in the army so that he could be trained as a pilot. He graduated as the best pilot in his class in 1925. After his army training, he was hired by a company in St. Louis to fly the mail between St. Louis and Chicago. http://www.charleslindbergh.com/history/

Spirit of St. Louis pt. 3

Because of how the fuel tank was positioned, the plane had no front window, so while flying, Lindbergh would not be able to see out of the front of his plane, unless he used the periscope that was positioned on the left side of the plane. To accommodate the extra fuel weight, the plane's wingspan was increased. http://www.charleslindbergh.com/plane/index.asp

Accomplishments pt. 7

Between 1931 and 1935, Lindbergh invented an "Artificial heart". This device could pump the substances necessary for life through an organ.

Background Information pt. 1

Charles Lindbergh was born on February 4th, 1902. He grew up in Little Falls, Minnesota. His father was a lawyer and his father also was a U.S. congressman from Minnesota. During Childhood he showed excellent mechanical abilities. http://www.charleslindbergh.com/history/

Impact pt. 1

Charles Lindbergh's flight influenced many people. After he completed his flight, it was as if everyone saw in him something that they sought in themselves- a spirit of adventure and achievement in life. "He had started with no purpose but to arrive. He remained with no desire but to serve. He sought nothing, he was offered all." http://www.charleslindbergh.com/history/

During the Flight (Accomplishments pt.2)

During the flight from New York to Paris, Charles Lindbergh experienced some rough weather including fog, sleet, and storms. He avoided most of these obstacles by flying low near the waves. Lindbergh knew he was nearing land when he saw his first fishing vessel off the coast of Ireland. Throughout the flight, Lindbergh fell asleep several times, but woke up minutes later. He struggled to stay awake, and kept the windows of the plane open for most of the flight so that the cold air would keep him awake. Lindbergh landed in Paris on May 21st, 1927 at 5:22 p.m. He hadn't slept in 55 hours. In total, the flight lasted 33 hours, 30 minutes, and 29.8 seconds.

Spirit of St. Louis pt. 4

Every ounce mattered on the Spirit of St. Louis so the plane was equipped with as little gear as possible. Lindbergh even had special lightweight boots made for him to reduce weight. He also sat on a lightweight wicker chair instead of a leather pilot's seat to decrease weight. http://www.charleslindbergh.com/plane/index.asp

Before the Flight (Backgroundish)

In 1919, Raymond Orteig, a New York City hotel owner, offered a $25,000 prize to the first aviator who could fly non stop from New York to Paris. Several pilots died or were injured while trying to win the prize. Lindbergh believed that he could do it if he had the right airplane. He persuaded 9 St. Louis businessmen to fund his plane. He helped an Aeronautic company design an airplane for himself. http://www.charleslindbergh.com/history/

Spirit of St. Louis pt. 1

In order to make his famous flight from New York to Paris, Lindbergh needed a special plane. He enlisted the help of the Ryan Airlines Corporation to build the perfect plane that could make it across the ocean. Lindbergh designed the plane for one purpose: to fly to Paris. http://www.charleslindbergh.com/plane/index.asp

After the Flight pt. 4 (Accomplishments pt. 6)

Lindbergh flew 50 combat missions and shot down a Japanese plane. He also developed new cruise control techniques. After the war, Lindbergh continued to serve his country in many ways and on April 7th, 1954, he was appointed a Brigadier General in the Air Force Reserves.

After the Flight pt.3 (Accomplishments pt. 5)

Lindbergh received the Congressional Medal of Honor from President Coolidge. Throughout the rest of his life he would serve as an advisor on aviation. Lindbergh served as a technical advisor in the U.S. during World War Two. He taught fighter pilots how to get increased range from their planes. http://www.charleslindbergh.com/history/

Impact pt.2

On March 1st, 1932, Charles Lindbergh's 20 month old son was kidnapped and the police found the body 10 weeks later. The Lindbergh Kidnapping led Congress to pass the "Lindbergh Law" which said that kidnapping is a federal offence if the victim is taken across state lines or if the mail service is used for ransom demands.

The Beginning of the Flight (Accomplishments pt.1)

On May 20th, 1927, Charles Lindbergh took off from a field at 7:52 a.m. near New York City, and began his non stop journey to Paris. He brought with him 4 sandwiches, 2 canteens of water, and 451 gallons of gas. http://www.charleslindbergh.com/history/

Spirit of St. Louis pt. 2

The Spirit of St. Louis could travel a maximum of 4,000 miles at a time. One of the more innovative designs in the plane is that the fuel tank was placed in front of the pilot, so that if the plane needed to make a quick landing, Charles Lindbergh wouldn't be stuck between the engine and the fuel tank. http://www.charleslindbergh.com/plane/index.asp

After The Flight (Accomplishments pt.3)

Thousands of people were gathered in Paris to meet him. He was honored with awards, celebrations, and parades. He received a Congressional Medal of Honor and the Distinguished Flying Cross. http://www.charleslindbergh.com/history/