benjaminfmahoney

A photo of the Ryan NYP "Spirit of St. Louis" at Curtiss Field (adjacent to Roosevelt Field) on Long Island, after the replacement of the original nose cone. Standing from left to right are, B.F. Mahoney, Harry F. Guggenheim, Lindbergh, and Charles Lawrance. Mahoney was the owner of Ryan Airlines, the builders of the "Spirit of St. Louis." Guggenheim, a wealthy buinessman and philanthropist from the North Shore of Long Island, had just met Lindbergh. After Lindbergh's triumphant return to the US, he and Guggenheim would assist the work of another aviation pioneer, Robert F. Goddard. Lawrance was an aeronautical engineer who was instrumental in the development of the air-cooled radial engine. His own company, the Lawrance Aero Engine Company, was purchased by Wright Aeronautical in 1923. In 1925, Lawrance would become the president of Wright Aeronautical and lead the development of the Wright J-5 Whirlwind that powered the "Spirit of St. Louis."

BF Mahoney had already purchased Ryan Aircraft. BF kept the name of the company as Ryan Aircraft leading to some confusion. see link: www.charleslindbergh.com/plane/mahoney.asp

BF Mahoney came up with an idea for an airline. "You've got the airplanes here doing a lot of local flying," he said to Ryan. "Did you ever think about running a schedule to Los Angeles back and forth on a daily schedule basis?" Ryan had doubts. Undeterred, Mahoney pointed out that "people are more ready to accept flying than you may think." And he offered to put up the money for an airline for a share of the profits. Ryan agreed, and the Los Angeles­ San Diego Air Line came into being on March 1, 1925. The fare was $14.50 one way, $22.50 round trip. It was claimed to be the first airline in the United States to operate all year on a regular schedule. On April 19, 1925, Mahoney bought a half interest in Ryan's operations--the airline, aviation school and the charter and sightseeing business--for $7,500. The two became partners under the name Ryan Airlines. www.charleslindbergh.com/plane/mahoney.asp

"Charles A. Lindbergh's Spirit of St. Louis probably is the best known airplane in the world. The airplane's transatlantic flight brought fame to T. Claude Ryan, whose name is connected to the company that built it--Ryan Airlines, the original Ryan company. But, although the names "Ryan" and "Ryan Airlines" appear on the plane, history has overlooked the other name closely intertwined with the legend of "Lucky Lindy" and his Spirit--Benjamin Franklin Mahoney, owner of Ryan Airlines". www.charleslindbergh.com/plane/mahoney.asp