Charles Lindbergh Learned to Fly in Lincoln in 1922

The future aviation pioneer trained at the Lincoln Standard Aircraft Company's flight school 100 years ago.

Apr. 1, 2026 at 1:28pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

On April 1, 1922, a young Charles Lindbergh arrived in Lincoln, Nebraska to attend the Lincoln Standard Aircraft Company's flight school under the instruction of I.O. Biffle. After a month of training, Biffle determined that Lindbergh was ready to fly solo, though he did not yet have the funds to purchase his own plane. Lindbergh ended up staying in Lincoln for an additional year, working for the Lincoln Standard Aircraft Company before leaving to fly solo in 1923.

Why it matters

Lindbergh's time in Lincoln was a pivotal moment in his journey to becoming one of the most famous aviators in history. The skills he developed at the Lincoln flight school would eventually lead him to make the first solo nonstop transatlantic flight from New York to Paris in 1927, cementing his legacy as a pioneer of aviation.

The details

In April 1922, the 20-year-old Lindbergh arrived in Lincoln to attend the flight school operated by the Lincoln Standard Aircraft Company. Under the instruction of I.O. Biffle, Lindbergh underwent a month of intensive training before Biffle determined he was ready to fly solo, despite Lindbergh not yet having the funds to purchase his own plane. Lindbergh ended up staying in Lincoln for an additional year, working for the Lincoln Standard Aircraft Company before leaving in 1923 to continue his aviation career.

  • On April 1, 1922, Charles Lindbergh arrived in Lincoln, Nebraska.
  • After a month of training, Lindbergh was deemed ready to fly solo in May 1922.
  • Lindbergh stayed in Lincoln for an additional year, working for the Lincoln Standard Aircraft Company, before leaving in 1923.

The players

Charles Lindbergh

The famous American aviator who would go on to make the first solo nonstop transatlantic flight from New York to Paris in 1927.

I.O. Biffle

The flight instructor at the Lincoln Standard Aircraft Company who trained Lindbergh in 1922.

Lincoln Standard Aircraft Company

The aviation company in Lincoln, Nebraska that operated a flight school where Lindbergh received his initial flight training.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

The takeaway

Lindbergh's time in Lincoln was a formative experience that laid the groundwork for his future success as a pioneering aviator. The skills he developed at the Lincoln Standard Aircraft Company's flight school would ultimately propel him to make history with his famous solo transatlantic flight.