Wright EX Vin Fiz

The first crossing of the United States by airplane was achieved by Calbraith Perry Rodgers in 1911. In 1910, famed publishing magnate William Randolph Hearst announced his offer of a $50,000-prize for a U.S. transcontinental flight in thirty days or less. Rodgers' Wright EX biplane was named the Vin Fiz after his sponsor's grape soda product. He left Sheepshead Bay, New York, on September 17, 1911. When Hearst's 30-day time limit expired, Rodgers had only reached Kansas City, Missouri. He arrived in Pasadena, California, to a hero's welcome, 49 days after setting out.