On May 21, 1927 Charles Lindbergh changed the course of history by becoming the first to fly an aircraft non-stop across the Atlantic Ocean in his Spirit of St. Louis.  Lindbergh made the trip in 33 hours and 30 minutes and altered the way the world perceived aviation.  He became an instant international hero and to this day is considered to be one of the most significant figures in aviation history.

The Ryan NYP (New York to Paris) was built in just sixty days by the Ryan Airline Company specifically to make the transatlantic crossing.  It was a modification of an existing design that the company had produced called the Ryan M-2.  The $25,000 Orteig prize was offered to the first aviator to successfully make the trip across the Atlantic non-stop.  Several attempts were made, and many lives were lost.

We were very grateful for the cooperation of the Smithsonian Institution, to allow us the unique opportunity to actually reach into the cockpit of the original aircraft to take measurements and photographs of the structure. Presently the fuselage and tail surfaces have been covered and the Wright J-5 has been test run. Updated pictures will be inserted when progress resumes.