B.F. Mahoney was the ‘mystery man’ behind the Spirit of St. Louis - May. ‘96 Aviation History Feature

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The M-1 was followed by the M-2 (a faster version of the M-1 by virtue of a lighter wing) and the Bluebird. The latter was a closed-cabin version of the M-2 that accommodated a pilot and four passengers. Powered by a 200-hp Hispano-Suiza engine, the Bluebird–the only one ever built by Ryan–closely resembled the future Spirit of St. Louis.

The partners discontinued the Los Angeles­San Diego Airline in September 1926 after its traffic began to decline. In its 18-month existence, the airline had a perfect safety record.

Unable to agree upon a plan to raise new capital, Ryan and Mahoney terminated their partnership on November 23, 1926. Mahoney bought out Ryan for $25,000 and an M-2. For the time being, Mahoney continued to use the name Ryan Airlines.

Claude Ryan stayed on temporarily as general manager. He later formed Ryan Aeronautical Corp. (now Teledyne Ryan Aeronautical), which built the low-wing, metal, open-cockpit S-T sport trainer. Its military successors were the PT-16, -20, -21 and -22 primary trainers.

Several months after Frank Mahoney became sole owner of Ryan Airlines, in early February 1927, Lindbergh, an airmail pilot familiar with the good record of the M-1 with Pacific Air Transport, wired, “Can you construct Whirlwind engine plane capable flying nonstop between New York and Paris…?” Planning to compete for the Orteig Prize for the first nonstop flight between the two cities, he had approached several major aircraft manufacturers without success.

Mahoney was away from the factory, but Claude Ryan answered, “Can build plane similar M-1 but larger wings…delivery about three months.” Lindbergh wired back that due to competition, delivery in less than three months was essential. Many years later, Jon van der Linde, chief mechanic of Ryan Airlines, recalled, “But nothing fazed B.F. Mahoney, the young sportsman who had just bought Ryan.” Mahoney boldly telegraphed Lindbergh back the same day: “Can complete in two months.”

Lindbergh arrived in San Diego on February 23. He toured the factory with Mahoney and met factory manager Hawley Bowlus, chief engineer Donald Hall and sales manager A.J. Edwards. After further discussions between Mahoney, Hall and Lindbergh, Mahoney offered to build the plane for $10,580, restating his commitment to deliver it in 60 days.

Lindbergh was convinced: “I believe in Hall’s ability; I like Mahoney’s enthusiasm. I have confidence in the character of the workmen I’ve met.” He then went to the airfield to familiarize himself with a Ryan plane–either an M-1 or an M-2–then telegraphed his St. Louis backers and recommended the deal, which was quickly approved.

Mahoney lived up to his commitment. Working exclusively on the plane and closely with Lindbergh, the staff completed the Spirit of St. Louis 60 days after Lindbergh arrived in San Diego. Powered by a Wright Whirlwind J-5C 223-hp radial engine, it had a 46-foot wingspan, 10 feet longer than the M-1, to accommodate the heavy load of 425 gallons of fuel. In his 1927 book We, Lindbergh acknowledged the achievement of the builders with a photograph captioned “The Men Who Made The Plane,” identifying “B. Franklin Mahoney, President, Ryan Airlines,” Bowlus, Hall and Edwards standing with the aviator in front of the completed plane.

After test flights, Lindbergh flew the new airplane via St. Louis to Curtiss Field, Long Island, arriving on May 12. Mahoney followed by train to join him in final preparations.

Mahoney was with Lindbergh and a few friends in New York City on the evening of May 19 when they learned from the weather bureau that conditions over the Atlantic had suddenly improved. They rushed back to Long Island to watch the next morning as Lindbergh barely cleared the trees on his takeoff.

Mahoney cabled Lindbergh in Paris, “Of utmost importance that I join you in Paris…before you sign any contracts….” Lindbergh cabled back, “Signing no contracts before reaching America therefore useless come over.” But Mahoney and sales manager Edwards favored the trip to publicize Ryan Airlines and the Mahoney name. On May 25, Mahoney sailed on the liner Mauretania and met Lindbergh in Paris. At Lindbergh’s request, the Navy Department granted Mahoney permission to accompany the flier on the cruiser Memphis that was ordered by President Calvin Coolidge to bring Lindbergh and the Spirit of St. Louis back to the United States.

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