MovieChat Forums > The Spirit of St. Louis (1957) Discussion > Lindbergh's airmail career

Lindbergh's airmail career

posted 17 years ago by gldrgidr-1
2 replies | jump to latest

I heard a story once that Lindbergh and another pilot were sent out in a storm (two aircraft heading to the same location). Lindberg abandoned his aircraft, and parachuted to safety, later claiming that the weather was too bad. The other pilot flew his aircraft straight through and delivered the mail on time.
After this incident, Lindberg's reputation was ruined amoung airmail pilots. His decision to try to fly to Paris was an attempt to save his reputation.

Does anyone know if any part of this is true?

[–] nomad472002 16 years ago

I've read the book, "Lindbergh" by A. Scott Berg, 600-odd page tome that is about as comprehensive a biography on Lindbergh as you're likely to find.

He did parachute, four times in total and two as an airmail pilot, but there is no mention of another pilot making it when he didn't.

Probably an urban legend.

Nomad

[–] JackBluegrass 9 years ago

It may be little known, but the US was the first nation to issue postage stamps specifically for airmail service. It was also the first nation to discontinue issuing airmail stamps, when much of mail was automatically sent by air.

Postally-used airmail cards or envelopes - probably now stored in your attic - from the late 1910s to 1920s had better be saved. Some such mailings even had the signatures on the cover of the pilot and/or navigator of plane that carried them.

E pluribus unum