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Blink 3 of 8 - The 5 AM Club
by Robin Sharma
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The Flight summary
Charles Lindbergh’s Daring and Immortal 1927 Transatlantic Crossing
20 mins
Brief summary
The Flight by Dan Hampton is a thrilling account of the first combat flight over Iraq in 1927. It offers a detailed description of the mission, the technology used, and the bravery of the pilots who risked their lives for their country.
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The Flight
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Charles Lindbergh’s flight over the Atlantic was as important as it was dangerous.
It was a muddy New York morning at Roosevelt Field on Friday, May 20, 1927. As the clock struck 7:52 a.m., a plane being flown by a young airmail pilot named Charles Augustus Lindbergh took off and ascended into the gray sky. His destination: Paris, France.
Known as “Slim” among his friends, due to his tall and slender frame, Lindbergh was attempting to be the first pilot to make a solo flight across the Atlantic Ocean, as well as the first non-stop flight from North America to mainland Europe. Lindbergh wasn’t the first to attempt these feats, though. Six people had already died in the attempt, including two French war veterans, Charles Nungesser and François Coli.
Just 12 days earlier, these two French pilots perished in their attempt to cross in the other direction, from France to New York. Their plane, L’Oiseau Blanc, was last seen traveling northwest over the west coast of Ireland. They were never seen or heard from again.
The incentive to make this dangerous non-stop flight between New York and Paris was partially monetary. Raymond Orteig, a French-American hotel owner, was offering a handsome $25,000 reward to the first pilot who made it. But the truly ambitious aviators were after the glory. The flight would prove to the world that aviation was the way of the future, and planes were going to bring people and nations closer together.
These pilots were eager to silence the critics who persisted in suggesting that flight was just a passing fad. Indeed, if Lindbergh's flight were to succeed, it would open the door for many advancements, including transatlantic mail and intercontinental passenger flights. Many people were eager to avoid weeklong boat trips through stormy waters and were fascinated by the idea of crossing the Atlantic in mere hours.
It wouldn’t be an overstatement to say that the future of aviation rested on Charles Lindbergh’s slim shoulders. And so, freighted with this emotional and cultural baggage, the young aviator piloted his plane, the Spirit of St. Louis, out over open waters.
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What is The Flight about?
The Flight (2017) is a riveting account of Charles Lindbergh’s groundbreaking solo flight across the Atlantic, from New York to Paris. Besides a detailed account of what it was like for Lindbergh in the cockpit, author Dan Hampton adds valuable historical and biographical context, which shows why the flight of the Spirit of St. Louis was so important to so many people.
The Flight Review
The Flight (2013) is an exhilarating account of one of the most daring aerial missions carried out by the U.S. Air Force during the Gulf War. Here's why this book is worth reading:
- With its nail-biting narrative and detailed descriptions of aerial combat, it offers an immersive experience that keeps readers on the edge of their seats.
- Through the perspectives of the pilots involved, the book provides real insights into the challenges and triumphs of military aviation.
- It delves into the history and technology of fighter planes, enhancing readers' understanding of the complexities of modern warfare.
Best quote from The Flight
During a boxing match at Yankee Stadium in New York, 40,000 fans paused for 60 seconds of silence as Lindbergh began his flight.
—Dan Hampton
Who should read The Flight?
- Fans of American history and aviation
- Readers who enjoy fascinating stories about iconic figures
- Anyone curious about life inside a cockpit
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The Flight FAQs
What is the main message of The Flight?
The main message of The Flight is the true story of an American pilot's thrilling experience of being a fighter pilot.
How long does it take to read The Flight?
The reading time for The Flight varies depending on the reader's speed. However, the Blinkist summary can be read in just 15 minutes.
Is The Flight a good book? Is it worth reading?
The Flight is a captivating read that offers a glimpse into the world of fighter pilots. It is definitely worth reading.
Who is the author of The Flight?
The author of The Flight is Dan Hampton.
What to read after The Flight?
If you're wondering what to read next after The Flight, here are some recommendations we suggest:
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