Crossing the Atlantic, Twice

As better-built airplanes were introduced in the early 1900s, people were intrigued by the idea of using one to cross the Atlantic Ocean. A generous money prize was offered to the first person to successfully complete a nonstop flight between New York and Paris. But the weather over the ocean and the distance created challenges. Pilots attempting the crossing crashed or died. Then, on May 21, 1927, U.S. airmail pilot Charles Lindbergh captured the world’s attention—and the prize money. “Lucky Lindy” became the first person to make a solo nonstop flight across the Atlantic Ocean. It took him almost 34 hours to fly 3,600 miles.

Plans quickly got under way for additional Atlantic flights. Socialite Mabel