How a young pilot conquers the Atlantic with determination, technology and courage – and changes the world
Spring 1927: the world is dreaming of a new era. Technology, speed and a thirst for adventure define the spirit of the times. But one dream remains unfulfilled – the direct flight from New York to Paris. 25.000 US dollars awaits the person who masters the challenge. Charles Lindbergh, a hitherto largely unknown mail pilot from Minnesota, believed in his chance to jump across the Atlantic.
New York on 20 May 1927 – Take-off into the unknown
While other teams were upgrading cumbersome machines with large crews, Lindbergh opted for simplicity: a light, slim machine – the Spirit of St. Louis – built by Ryan Airlines, tailor-made for range rather than comfort. He took off at 7:52 am on May 20, 1927. Alone, without a radio, without radio contact – just a simple navigation plan, a pinch of courage and an unwavering will.
Between sky and sea – the flight into the unknown
The 33 hours and 30 minutes over the Atlantic demanded everything from Lindbergh: sleep deprivation, icy cold, the deafening hammering of the radial engine – and endless expanses of water, everywhere just water, water, nothing but water. Several times he struggles with tiredness, slaps his face, opens the side window to stay awake. The instruments are sparse: speedometer, altimeter, a simple compass. Lindbergh has to rely on his sense of course and speed. Navigation over the open sea – a dance on a knife-edge.
As I flew over the Atlantic, time itself seemed to stand still – just the hum of the engine, the endless expanse and the faint hope of a new dawn.
Charles Lindbergh
But Lindbergh remained focused. In the early morning of May 21, he sighted the coast of Ireland – the first sign that he was on course. A few hours later, he reached France and at 22:22 local time, he landed at Le Bourget Airport in front of more than 150,000 enthusiastic people. His risky plan had worked. Charles Lindbergh has not only set a record – he has made the impossible possible.
The Spirit of St. Louis
The Spirit of St. Louis, officially known as the Ryan NYP(New York-Paris), was built in 1927 by Ryan Airlines in San Diego, California, especially for Charles Lindbergh’s Atlantic flight. The aircraft had a wingspan of 14 meters and was 8.5 meters long. It was powered by a 9-cylinder Wright Whirlwind J-5C radial engine with an output of 223 hp, which enabled a top speed of around 215 kilometers per hour.
The 25-year-old Charles Lindbergh and his Spirit of St. Louis
Thanks to extra-large fuel tanks, the aircraft was able to achieve a range of over 6,400 kilometers – an absolutely impressive performance at the time. In order to optimally shift the center of gravity, the main tank was located directly in front of the pilot, eliminating the need for a front window. Instead, Lindbergh navigated sideways through a small window and used a periscope for forward visibility. The Spirit of St. Louis is still synonymous today with technical innovation, engineering skill and one man’s unwavering determination to conquer the skies.
Charles Lindbergh – from pilot to icon
The triumph instantly made Lindbergh the most famous man of his time. Newspapers around the world celebrated him as the “Lone Eagle”. Within a few months, he became the symbol of a new age: an age of courage, technology and unlimited possibilities. Tours through Europe, receptions at the White House, medals, honors – Lindbergh nevertheless remains remarkably down-to-earth.
In the years following his historic flight, Charles Lindbergh devoted himself not only to the further development of aviation technology, but also increasingly to social and scientific issues. In the 1930s, he became intensively involved in the promotion of transatlantic air travel and supported the expansion of modern airlines. However, personal strokes of fate, above all the kidnapping and murder of his first son, caused him to withdraw from the public eye for a time and refocus his life.
Air sovereignty is new for all countries. It brings improvements to some and weaknesses to others; it requires readjustment everywhere.
Charles Lindbergh
In later decades, Lindbergh developed into a committed voice for environmental protection and nature conservation. He campaigned for the protection of endangered species and warned early on of the ecological consequences of unchecked technological developments. He remained true to his conviction that real progress is only possible in harmony with nature. His late turn to ecological issues shows a deeper dimension to his thinking, which went far beyond the technical enthusiasm of his early years.
Despite this new focus, Lindbergh’s message always remained clear at its core: progress comes from perseverance, courage and vision. His Atlantic flight not only inspired a new generation of pilots, but also decisively advanced civil aviation worldwide. Without his daring venture, the world might not have come closer together until decades later. Lindbergh proves that individuals with determination and vision can change the course of history for good.
Lindbergh Hour Angle Watch
After his legendary flight, Lindbergh became intensively involved with the question of how future pilots could improve their navigation. At that time, there were no reliable radios or satellite navigation. Together with the Swiss watch manufacturer Longines, he developed the Hour Angle Watch in 1931. This watch made it possible to precisely determine longitude by simply reading and calculating the time and position of the sun – a revolution for long-haul flights.
The famous Longines Lindbergh Hour Angle
The watch combines classic mechanics with practical engineering expertise – a synthesis of aesthetics and functionality that is still considered an icon of aviation today. Today, the Lindbergh Hour Angle is not just a collector’s item, but a symbol of a time when adventure and science still went hand in hand. In 1987 – to mark the 60th anniversary of the legendary Atlantic flight – Longines launched a new edition of the timepiece, which is now part of the Longines Heritage collection.
This is how the Longines Lindbergh Hour Angle Watch works
7 facts about Charles Lindbergh and the Spirit of St. Louis
- Youth and education: Born in Detroit on February 4, 1902, Charles Lindbergh grew up in the Midwest of the USA. From an early age, he was fascinated by technology, especially flying.
- Record flight across the Atlantic: His Atlantic flight in 1927 covered around 5,800 kilometers – non-stop and alone, without radio communication and completely on his own.
- Spirit of St. Louis: The plane was named after Lindbergh’s supporters from St. Louis as a sign of recognition; a group of businessmen financed the project.
- Minimal equipment: There was no forward view in the cockpit of the Spirit of St. Louis: the fuel tank was directly in front of Lindbergh’s seat. He navigated through a small side window and a periscope.
- Fame overnight: After landing in Paris, Lindbergh became an international sensation. Within a year, he had made over 100 public appearances.
- Technology pioneer: Lindbergh helped develop new navigation instruments, including the famous Hour Angle Watch in collaboration with Longines.
- Lasting legacy: Lindbergh is still celebrated today as a symbol of courage, enthusiasm for technology and human pioneering spirit. His flights and inventions paved the way for global air travel.
Charles Lindbergh – an icon of aviation history
Charles Lindbergh and his Longines Hour Angle – two icons of aviation history
