Spirit of St. Louis Replica Plans 1,250-Mile Florida Flight

Old Rhinebeck Aerodrome will fly its full-size Spirit of St. Louis replica about 1,250 miles from upstate New York to Lakeland, Florida, ahead of the 2027 Sun ’n Fun Aerospace Expo and the centennial of Charles Lindbergh’s 1927 transatlantic flight. The trip is expected to take three to four days with several stops, accompanied by two chase planes carrying a film crew, mechanic and spare parts. Powered by an original Wright Whirlwind engine, the replica was built using historical plans and first flew in 2015. In Lakeland, it will be displayed at the Sun ’n Fun museum before taking part in the 2027 event’s Lindbergh-themed program.