The Flight of the Vin Fiz

In 1911, an inexperienced pilot named Cal Rodgers set out to become the first aviator to fly across the United States. His journey, an effort to promote a new grape drink called Vin Fiz, began in Sheepshead Bay, New York and continued eastward to Chicago. From there, he headed south, eventually making his way to Waco where he entertained the local citizens by circling the city three times before landing. He left the next morning in route to Austin and continued to the west coast to complete his historic flight. Richard Veit, an avid historian, brings the incredible story of the first transcontinental flight to life.