Robertson Aircraft Corporation

Robertson Aircraft Corporation. It was a pioneering American aviation company founded in 1921 by brothers William B. Robertson and Frank H. Robertson. Based at Lambert Field in St. Louis, the company played a crucial role in the development of early commercial airmail services in the Midwestern United States. The corporation is historically significant for employing a young pilot named Charles Lindbergh and for operating one of the nation's first contracted airmail routes, which later became part of Transcontinental Air Transport.

History and founding

The company was established in 1921 by the Robertson brothers, who were prominent figures in St. Louis business and aviation circles. Financial backing and support came from E. Lansing Ray, the publisher of the St. Louis Globe-Democrat. Its primary operational base was established at Lambert Field, which was then a growing municipal airport. The founding occurred during a period of rapid expansion in private aviation following World War I, as surplus military aircraft like the Curtiss JN-4 became available for civilian use. The company's early activities focused on barnstorming, flight instruction, and aircraft sales, positioning it as a central hub for aviation activity in the Midwest.

Operations and airmail service

A major breakthrough came in 1925 when the company was awarded Contract Air Mail Route 2 (CAM-2) by the United States Post Office Department. This route connected St. Louis to Chicago with an intermediate stop in Springfield, Illinois. The inaugural flight on the route was piloted by Charles Lindbergh on April 15, 1926. Operating this feeder line was critical, linking the Midwest to the broader Transcontinental Air Mail system. Pilots navigated using visual landmarks and faced significant hazards from unpredictable weather across the Great Plains. The successful operation of CAM-2 demonstrated the viability of commercial airmail and positioned the company for further expansion within the nascent airline industry.

Aircraft and fleet

The initial fleet consisted largely of modified war-surplus biplanes, most notably the Curtiss JN-4 "Jenny," which was used for training and exhibition flying. For the demanding airmail service, the company acquired purpose-built aircraft, including the de Havilland DH-4, a military observation and bomber plane adapted for mail carriage. Later, to improve reliability and capacity, the fleet was upgraded to include more advanced models like the Standard J-1 and the Swallow biplane. These aircraft were maintained and modified by the company's mechanics at Lambert Field, ensuring they could withstand the rigors of daily scheduled flights in all weather conditions.

Legacy and dissolution

The corporation's most enduring legacy was its role as a foundational component of the modern American airline industry. In 1929, it was merged with several other aviation entities to form the Universal Aviation Corporation, a large holding company. This conglomerate, through further mergers and the involvement of Clement Melville Keys, eventually evolved into Transcontinental Air Transport (TAT), which later became Trans World Airlines (TWA). The airmail route it pioneered became a segment of a major national network. Furthermore, the experience gained by Charles Lindbergh while flying its mail routes was instrumental in preparing him for his historic 1927 solo flight across the Atlantic Ocean in the Spirit of St. Louis.

Notable personnel

The most famous individual associated with the company was chief pilot Charles Lindbergh, who was hired in 1925. The founders, William B. Robertson and Frank H. Robertson, provided leadership and vision, while financier E. Lansing Ray was crucial to its early capitalization. Other key pilots who flew the mail routes included Thomas P. Nelson and Philip R. Love, both of whom had distinguished aviation careers. The mechanics and ground crew at Lambert Field supported the dangerous daily operations, contributing to the company's reputation for reliability and safety during the early days of commercial flight.

Category:Defunct airlines of the United States Category:Companies based in St. Louis Category:Aviation history of the United States