After nearly two decades of dedication and craftsmanship, the Spirit 2 aircraft—a hand-built replica of the iconic Spirit of St. Louis—completed its long-awaited first flight in January 2021. Local pilot and aviation enthusiast Robert Ragozzino celebrated the achievement, marking a major milestone in his 18-year journey to bring his custom-built aircraft to life.
Speaking with KFOR-TV, Ragozzino shared his excitement, stating that the aircraft’s first successful flight was not just a technical win but a deeply personal victory. Inspired by Charles Lindbergh’s legendary 1927 transatlantic flight, Ragozzino’s Spirit 2 closely mirrors the original Spirit of St. Louis in design and function—right down to its handcrafted parts and extra fuel tanks for long-distance travel.
While the two planes share much in common, there are a few notable differences. The Spirit 2 must meet modern Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) safety requirements. It also features a pilot seat made of lightweight wicker, a nod to vintage aviation design. Ragozzino humorously compared flying the plane to driving a 1920s Mack truck—without power steering.
His long-term goal is as ambitious as it is historic: to retrace Lindbergh’s route from New York to Paris. Ragozzino and his dedicated team have invested significant time and resources into the project, often encountering technical and financial setbacks. Still, their passion has kept the mission alive.
The inaugural flight of the Spirit 2 aircraft lasted approximately 15 minutes. Though brief, it provided valuable insight into how the plane handles and what improvements are needed before attempting longer flights. Ragozzino explained that the test flight highlighted several key areas for refinement, especially in balance and control responsiveness.
In addition to satisfying personal ambition, the project is also an educational tribute to aviation history. Ragozzino has worked with aviation museums and local schools to raise awareness about the evolution of flight, using the Spirit 2 as a living classroom that brings the story of Lindbergh’s groundbreaking journey into the modern era.
Looking ahead, Ragozzino is focused on conducting further tests and ensuring the Spirit 2 is fully prepared for the ambitious transatlantic flight. Whether or not he accomplishes the full New York-to-Paris route, the project already stands as a testament to perseverance, innovation, and a deep respect for aviation legacy.
Photo Credit: en.wikipedia.org