Spirit of St. Louis on Flightline Apron Outside Ryan Airlines Hangar (May 1927)

Three-quarter rear view of the Spirit of St. Louis on the airfield apron surrounded by spectators outside the Ryan hangar. — Spirit of St. Louis on Flightline Apron Outside Ryan Airlines Hangar (May 1927) · Donald A. Hall Estate Collection

A vintage historical photograph showing the completed Ryan NYP Spirit of St. Louis (N-X-211) parked on the dirt apron outside the Ryan Airlines factory hangars at Dutch Flats, San Diego. Photographed from the right rear quarter, the image captures spectators, ground crew, and mechanics examining the aircraft following taxi tests or trial flights. Inscribed along the lower border "LINDBERGH'S PLANE 'SPIRIT OF ST. LOUIS'", the view highlights the wide 46-foot wingspan, empennage markings, and airfield buildings framing the aircraft prior to Lindbergh's transcontinental hop to St. Louis and New York.