Anne Morrow Lindbergh learned to fly in this Brunner-Winkle Bird BK. Lindbergh was a pioneer pilot and radio operator for world survey flights and accomplished aviation author. Her husband, Charles, chose the Bird for her because it won the 1929 Guggenheim Safety Airplane contest for easy handling and no spin characteristics. Lindbergh flew hours of dual and solo training flights before earning her pilot’s license in May 1931. She owned the airplane from August 1930 to October 1931. Antique aircraft expert Joe Fichera bought the Bird in 1946. After an accident in 1953, he restored the three-seat biplane to airworthy condition. The aircraft retains some original parts and is covered with Ceconite fabric. It is one of 84 Birds with a Kinner K-5 engine, upgraded from the earlier Curtiss OX-5.

Display Status

This object is on display in Business Aviation at the Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly, VA.

Business Aviation
Object Details
Type CRAFT-Aircraft Pilot Anne Morrow Lindbergh
Physical Description A blue fuselage with a pale-yellow stripe horizontally across the body and two cockpits. The wings and stabilizers are a pale yellow with the identification number "NC 727Y" painted on them. Dimensions Wingspan: 10.4 m (34 ft) Length: 7 m (23 ft) Height: 2.6 m (8 ft 8 in) Weight, empty: 524 kg (1,155 lb) Weigh, gross: 862 kg (1,900 lb)
Top Speed: 185 km/h (115 mph) Cruise Speed: 153 km/h (95 mph)
Materials Ferrous metal, cotton, rubber, paint, cellulose-based resin, leather, glass, wood
Inventory Number A20240205000 Credit Line Gift of Michael J. Pangia Data Source National Air and Space Museum Restrictions & Rights Usage conditions apply
For more information, visit the Smithsonians Terms of Use.