81 years ago today (5-21-1927) Lindbergh landed in Paris! (USA, combat, execution)

[Visvaldis]

After a long solo flight across the Atlantic in the "Spirit Of St Louis" Charles Lindbergh landed in Paris to a welcoming crowd of thousands. It was the first flight across the Atlantic.
Since decades that same flight is about 7 hours, sitting in a comfortable seat in a pressurized cabin. The people complain about the food, cramped quarters, noisy neighbors, and terrible movies.
Hard to believe it was only 81 years ago, especially when looking at the large modern, sophisticated aircraft that haul hundreds, along with luggage on that same journey.
Charles Lindbergh is an American hero, took a risk, but demonstrated what can be done. We don't see much of that spirit anymore.

[burdell]

Originally Posted by Visvaldis

After a long solo flight across the Atlantic in the "Spirit Of St Louis" Charles Lindbergh landed in Paris to a welcoming crowd of thousands. It was the first flight across the Atlantic.
Since decades that same flight is about 7 hours, sitting in a comfortable seat in a pressurized cabin. The people complain about the food, cramped quarters, noisy neighbors, and terrible movies.
Hard to believe it was only 81 years ago, especially when looking at the large modern, sophisticated aircraft that haul hundreds, along with luggage on that same journey.
Charles Lindbergh is an American hero, took a risk, but demonstrated what can be done. We don't see much of that spirit anymore.

Thanks for posting this, I'm a great admirer of Lindbergh. That flight was far from his only accomplishment. He spent time working with a French doctor on an organ perfusin pump, forerunner of the modern heart-lung machine. He also flew combat missions as a civilian adviser in the South Pacific, subject to execution for espionage if caught. He was responsible for teaching many pilotes engine leaning techniques that allowed them a further combat radius for the same amount if fuel.

And if you'd really like a great example of aviation progress consider Kitty Hawk to the moon in 66 years!