Developing Nerves of Steel
It was during his time as a test and airmail pilot that Lindbergh survived a record four plane crashes by bailing the plane and parachuting to safety. Other than barnstorming, Lindbergh was also a delivery pilot, working for US Air Mail, and travel across the country. After having served as a second lieutenant in the U.S. Army, Lindbergh delivered airmail between St. Louis and Chicago.
Pan American Air Mail Service Inaugurated – Charles A. Lindbergh (Far Right) Greeted By Mayor And Postmaster Of Miami On Return From Belize. Photo By Nara Archives/Shutterstock
The rushed delivery schedule meant that Lindbergh and other pilots flew at night in poor visibility, having to push through extreme weather, suffering from fatigue. Those flights helped give Lindbergh nerves of steel, preparing him for a daring goal: to fly solo across the oceans. But first, there was a cash prize to earn…