Centennial tribute to retrace historic flight of ‘Spirit of St. Louis'

As May 21, 2027, approaches-the 100th anniversary of Charles Lindbergh's historic solo flight across the Atlantic-the Lindbergh Foundation is launching a once-in-a-century tribute.

To mark the centennial, the foundation on Tuesday at EAA AirVenture in Oshkosh, Wisconsin,  announced it is organizing an exclusive, six-day private jet expedition (May 15-22) that will retrace the legendary route from St. Louis to Washington, D.C., New York, and finally, Paris.

Lindbergh's journey would not have been possible had it not been for experimental aviation.

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The Ryan NYP Spirit of St. Louis that Lindbergh flew on the epic journey was highly modified to carry significantly more gas than normal, and his forward view was enhanced by means of a specially designed periscope.

The foundation describes the Spirit of St. Louis 100 Centennial Charter Flight as a mission-driven fundraising initiative that will support its work to inspire and accelerate the next generation of innovators by encouraging them to develop an interest in math, technology, engineering, and science while learning to embrace the innovation that drives aviation and aerospace development.

Six-Day Journey

Over the upcoming year, the Lindbergh Foundation and Experimental Aircraft Association plan to work together to make AirVenture Oshkosh 2027 one of North America's principal celebrations of the centennial through exhibits, presentations, educational programming, pilot experiences, and youth engagement before the international commemoration culminates in Paris. Dubbed "Inspiring the Next Century," the centennial is designed to commemorate one of aviation's defining moments and inspire tomorrow's innovators.

The Spirit of St. Louis 100 Centennial Charter Flight will begin in St. Louis, stop in Washington, D.C, and go on to fly the route Lindbergh used between New York and Paris.

The Lindbergh Foundation was founded in 1977 by Neil Armstrong, Jim Lovell, Gene Cernan, Jimmy Doolittle, and other pioneers of aviation and space exploration. The program is built on the legacy of the Orteig Prize ($25,000) that Lindbergh won for completing his historic flight.

For the centennial, the foundation is expanding STEM initiatives that challenge young people to solve the aviation and aerospace challenges of the future through innovation, engineering, entrepreneurship, and exploration.

"The centennial belongs to everyone who loves to fly and explore," said Ann Balsamo, executive director of the Lindbergh Foundation. "We will honor the courage of 1927 while inspiring innovators, explorers, and aviators who will define the next century of flight."

Erik Lindbergh flew a modified Lancair Columbia 300, dubbed the New Spirit of St. Louis, solo from New York to Paris in 2002 to commemorate the 75th anniversary of his grandfather's flight.

"The centennial is about bringing the aviation community and the world together to celebrate one of history's greatest achievements while inspiring and challenging the next generation of innovators and explorers," said Erik Lindbergh. "Charles Lindbergh changed the world as a young man. This is an example of what young people can accomplish when they are challenged and supported. It is our job today to stoke that fire for the next generation of pioneers."

The Timeline

The centennial celebration begins with the Spirit of St. Louis Centennial Gala in St. Louis on May 15. The charter flight will bring together a select group of participants who will enjoy exclusive access to museums, archives, historic sites, aviation institutions, special guest speakers, and behind-the-scenes experiences that tell the story of Lindbergh's achievement and its lasting impact on aviation.

On May 21, exactly 100 years after Charles Lindbergh landed before an estimated crowd of more than 150,000, the charter flight is expected to arrive at Le Bourget Airport, joining international commemorative events celebrating one of aviation's defining moments.

In 2027 the Paris Air Show will feature "100 Years of Transatlantic Flight," recognizing the centennial of Lindbergh's arrival at Le Bourget.

In many ways FLYING Magazine owes its existence to the Lindbergh flight.

In 1927 publisher and aviation enthusiast William B. Ziff was so impressed by Lindbergh's transatlantic journey that he started a monthly magazine for aviation enthusiasts. The publication featured black-and-white photos and colored illustrations of aircraft of the day.

There was a page dedicated to model aircraft building, and there were pages of advertisements for aircraft for sale and flying schools. The publication had several names, including Popular Aviation and Aeronautics before it became FLYING in 1942.