For many of us, history is just a grayscale photo. There are no time machines to take us back to the early days of aviation, so we may not fully appreciate the work that went into building and flying airplanes - especially without the conveniences of today’s technology. However, when a modern aviation enthusiast builds a replica of a historic plane (like Charles Lindbergh’s Spirit of St. Louis), people can once again marvel as if they were alive during the original reveal.
There is no need for a time machine, because Robert Ragozzino, a professional pilot, aircraft builder, and aviation world-record holder (the only person to fly solo around the world in an open cockpit aircraft). He has been building a near exact replica of the Spirit of St. Louis (also known as SOS2) for several years, right here in Oklahoma! Once again, people will be able to hear the earsplitting roar of the radial engine, smell the burning exhaust, and watch the powerful beast take flight.
Those who have seen the SOS2 know that this is no museum bird. It is a fully functional replica, which Robert will pilot over the Atlantic Ocean to Paris, just as Charles Lindbergh did in 1927. The SOS2 Team paid close attention to detail in its construction, right down to the cowling’s perlée surface treatment — called engine turning, a decorative pattern consisting of small circles (pearls) applied to a surface by grinding, which is typically indicative of expensive craftsmanship.
Currently, the Clinton-Sherman Industrial Airpark, (also known as the Oklahoma Air & Space Port) near Burns Flat, Oklahoma is hosting Mr. Ragozzino and the SOS2. Being only a short distance from the Aeronautical Center, the MONRONeYnews staff was recently able to connect with Robert to ask a few questions.
How did you become involved in aviation?
Robert: "My dad was a flight instructor for the University of Oklahoma, so I pretty much grew up on Max Westheimer airport — literally on the airport in a WWII officer’s house. I’ve had a lifetime of exposure to aviation."
Do you have any mentors or favorite historical aviators?
Robert: "I’m a typical aviation buff. I admire Howard Hughes, Charles Lindbergh, Amelia Earhart, Wiley Post, and Eddie Rickenbacker to name a few. I grew up reading books about them and hearing stories, and ended up an airplane addict. It really runs deep — it’s just who I am."
Do you have any words of wisdom relating to aviation safety?
Robert: "I’m a corporate pilot. Most pilots spend a fortune training in safety, adhering to regulations. This flight makes it seem like I am a daredevil, but we didn’t approach it from a daredevil’s standpoint. Even though SOS2 is considered experimental, we don’t take short cuts. We work closely with federal regulators to build a very high-quality piece of equipment. I call it transport category."
Do you have any advice for young people?
Robert: "First thing is, to be a good pilot, you need to have a love for aviation. You have to pursue it. If it’s just a passing fancy, then do something else.
Historically, it’s been hard for pilots to advance because of military pilots flooding the market. But lately, the pool of military pilots is drying up, so for anyone wanting to get into aviation, stay with it.
My dad took me up in a Cherokee 140 when I was five years old. It was amazing. If you want your kid to be a cowboy, take them to the rodeo. But if you want them to grow up to be a pilot, expose them to airplanes at a young age."
Do you have a favorite plane?
Robert: "I fly business jets, which are all about speed, but I really enjoy flying a biplane. The Stearman is incredible. It’s a ’crack-crawler.’ You spend most of your time flying below fifty feet chasing wild stallions. The plane I flew around the world had twice the horsepower and seven times the fuel capacity of a normal Stearman.
Back in 2000 the Stearman was a ’new penny,’ but now she’s a ’hangar queen.’ She was a beast with 450 horsepower, compared to the Spirit’s 275. I’m looking forward to flying the SOS2, because we have a better engine/prop on it with a lot more safety features than the original."
How did you begin building this plane?
Robert: "Building this plane was not difficult, but it was a long, long series of 500 easy tasks. It used to be a bunch of rusty parts. Most were thrown away or rebuilt — one piece at a time. First, we built the wing, then the flight controls and a new fuselage after some engineering was done.
Then we made the wood structure on the outside of the fuselage. When you weld it can’t be a painted surface. So, when we finished putting it together, we had to take it all back apart to paint it. It took a lot of time, with lots of love, patience and craftsmanship. The backbone of craftsmanship is patience.
Concerning the exterior fabric, there are different thicknesses throughout, and it’s essentially a ceconite polyfiber. It’s a rip-stop nylon, FAA-certified polyester fabric process."
How long will it take you to fly to Paris following Lindbergh’s route?
Robert: "The Spirit flight will take about 29 hours in one long, hard leg. Lindbergh said that the first day is fine, but that first night is very hard. It is a short night because you’re moving toward the sun, but it is still a challenge - especially being over water the whole time."
What will you be focusing on while flying over the ocean?
Robert: "I’ll be keeping an eye on my instruments for minor anomalies. Well, when flying over the ocean, minor anomalies become major mental focuses, actually. But you get used to the fact that these are good motors. As long as you keep fuel going into the engine, as a general rule, they work. You don’t embark upon something like this unless you have faith in your equipment… and the Lord. No harm in praying. As I say, flying over the ocean is easy, once you get used to the concept of drowning.
I will also be watching weather. Lindbergh did it with no winds-aloft knowledge. With the technology we have today, I may be able to route north or south into stronger tail-winds. The whole idea is to get to Paris before dark. I’d rather not land after dark, especially after flying for 30 hours."
Will you listen to any kind of music while flying?
Robert: "I’ve been asked that many times. Not really. On the flight around the world, only two songs continually played in my mind for 170 collective flight hours; Simon and Garfunkel’s ’Looking for America,’ and the theme song from the Wizard of Oz, ’Somewhere Over the Rainbow.’ I think it was a subconscious thing - sitting there flying at the brink of your extinction.
Truthfully, it’s just really loud. With the Stearman bi-plane, the exhaust came out from one stack; an industrial roar. The SOS2 has 7 straight stacks that equally distribute the roar all around you. The Spirit is not the Love Boat."
How soon will you make the flight across the ocean?
Robert: "Planned departure is the Summer of 2022. COVID shut the Paris Air Show down, and any chance of an earlier departure. That was one of our goals. It’s also dependent upon fund raising and sponsorship. It’s nearly impossible to raise money for something like this. But our job is to do the impossible."
Robert is heavily involved with the SOS2 project in multiple capacities, including chief pilot, aircraft specification and design, fundraising, marketing, general project management and board membership. He has owned a flight school and worked as a corporate pilot for 42 years, having flown over 35 different aircraft (ranging from gliders to biplanes to private business jets).
Though museums with static aircraft may help people to have a better understanding of history, most planes and artifacts are preserved in a sterile environment; just an empty shell suspended aloft with wires, or permanently grounded — exhibiting only a shadow of their former glory. Thanks to Mr. Ragozzino, it is thrilling to see a fully functional replica of the Spirit of St. Louis. With this much attention to detail, the plane will entreat aviation history enthusiasts around the world to a tangible glimpse into the 1920s.
