Charles Augustus Lindbergh, born on this day in 1902, really had to make things happen. To be the first to cross the Atlantic in an airplane, Lindbergh had to be assertive, putting the pressure on some of St. Louis' biggest entrepreneurs. He pooled his skills in science, business, social finesse, fundraising, engineering, love of family, political skills, and celebrity, and he became one of The United States' favorite sons. Lindbergh's greatness did not just happen! It happened because he made it happen. While he took chances and risked his life, he used science and math to solve the problems that confronted him. To make it across the Atlantic Ocean, the plane, named The Spirit of St. Louis, needed more fuel, he had to find a way to lighted the load. Changing the materials used in the wings, eliminating certain control gauges, and using a periscope to navigate were all solutions to problems that arose during the planning portion of his famous flight in 1927. Upon completion of that amazing feat, Lindbergh was immediately thrust into the limelight. His celebrity was unsurpassed during the years to come, with world travels and public appearances in all sorts of venues. Lindbergh, as simple a man as he was, rubbed elbows with royalty and presidents. | |
If you are interested in more study about this aviation pioneer turned international celebrity, please click on any of the links and the National Geographic video presentation embedded above.