EAA Ryan Brougham J4 “Spirit of St. Louis” Replica

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The Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) is a growing and diverse organization with members who have a wide range of aviation interests and backgrounds. Founded in 1953 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin by a group of individuals who were interested in building their own airplanes, EAA expanded its mission of growing participation in aviation to include antiques, classics, warbirds, aerobatic aircraft, ultralights, helicopters, and contemporary manufactured aircraft.
The EAA has constructed two “Spirit of St. Louis” replica aircraft to honor Charles Lindbergh and his aviation achievements. The first replica was built in 1977 and was used to commemorate the 50th anniversary of Lindbergh’s flight across the Atlantic Ocean. The aircraft was taken on a nationwide tour of the United States.

The EAA’s “Spirit of St. Louis” tour stopped in Albuquerque on September 17, 1977.

Between 1977 and 1988, that aircraft accumulated more than 1,300 hours of flight time. In 1987, the replica was shipped to France and flew into LeBourget Airport in Paris to commemorate the 60th anniversary of Lindbergh’s 33-hour flight across the Atlantic. The first “Spirit” replica was retired to the EAA AirVenture Museum in Oshkosh in November 1988 as the centerpiece of the museum’s Lindbergh exhibit.

A photo shows the EAA’s “Spirit of St. Louis” tour landing in Albuquerque in 1977.
The EAA’s first replica is under construction at the EAA shops.

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