“We” · Chapter
IX: San Diego–St. Louis–New York explained
Lindbergh details the origins of the New York–Paris flight, sparked by Raymond Orteig's 1919 prize.
What happens
Lindbergh details the origins of the New York–Paris flight, sparked by Raymond Orteig's 1919 prize. He describes his decision to pursue a single-motored monoplane, the construction of the Spirit of St. Louis by Ryan Airlines, and his meticulous navigation planning. The chapter covers the test flights in San Diego, the flight to St. Louis, and the subsequent leg to New York, emphasizing the collaborative effort and technical considerations behind the venture.
Themes in this chapter
Technological Progress and the Future
Lindbergh's decision to use a single-motored monoplane with a radial air-cooled engine and advanced instruments like the Earth Inductor Compass highlights the role of cutting-edge technology in enabling the transatlantic flight.
Individual Achievement and Collective Support
While Lindbergh piloted the plane, the chapter emphasizes the collective effort of Ryan Airlines workers, including Donald Hall's marathon work sessions, and the financial backing from St. Louis supporters.
Risk, Sacrifice, and Perseverance
Lindbergh's choice to forgo a navigator for extra fuel, the meticulous planning for emergencies (e.g., air raft, Army rations, Armburst cup), and the 24-hour work shifts at the factory underscore the risks and sacrifices involved.
Characters to notice
- Charles Lindbergh
Describes his initial consideration of the New York–Paris flight, decision-making on aircraft type, involvement in construction and navigation planning, and piloting the Spirit of St. Louis from San Diego to St. Louis and then to New York.
- Raymond Orteig
Issued the $25,000 prize challenge in 1919 that spurred the transatlantic flight.
- Donald Hall
Chief Engineer at Ryan Airlines who worked extensively on the Spirit of St. Louis, including a 36-hour stint at the drafting table.
- Dean Blake
Provided accurate weather predictions for the flight from San Diego to St. Louis.
Key passages
“The transatlantic nonstop flight between New York and Paris was first brought into public consideration by Raymond Orteig who, in 1919, issued a challenge to the Aeronautical world by offering a prize of $25,000 to the first successful entrant.”
Raymond Orteig sparked public interest in a nonstop New York-to-Paris flight by offering a $25,000 prize in 1919.
Introduces the Orteig Prize as the catalyst for the flight.
“I first considered the possibility of the New York–Paris flight while flying the mail one night in the fall of 1926.”
Lindbergh first thought about attempting the New York–Paris flight during a night mail flight in autumn 1926.
Marks the personal origin of Lindbergh's ambition.
“Day and night, seven days a week, the structure grew from a few lengths of steel tubing to one of the most efficient planes that has ever taken the air.”
The Spirit of St. Louis was built around the clock, evolving from steel tubing into an exceptionally efficient aircraft.
Highlights the intense construction effort at Ryan Airlines.
“I had decided to replace the weight of a navigator with extra fuel, and this gave me about three hundred miles additional range.”
Lindbergh chose to carry extra fuel instead of a navigator, gaining about 300 more miles of range.
Explains a key trade-off for extended range.