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SESK: Stuff Everyone Should Know · sesk.info/aero-vin-fiz-cross-country

In 1911, how long did Cal Rodgers take to fly the Vin Fiz across the United States?

49 days, too slow to win the 30-day prize.

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  1. 30 hours
  2. 49 days ✔
  3. 7 days

Why: A newspaper owner offered $50,000 to anyone who crossed the country by air in 30 days. Rodgers finished in 49 days with many stops, so he missed the prize. It was still the first flight across the whole country.

Huh, didn't know that: The $50,000 prize was offered by newspaper publisher William Randolph Hearst.

The dad joke
Why did the Vin Fiz take so long? It kept stopping for soda breaks.
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References

Answer: 49 days. A newspaper owner offered $50,000 to anyone who crossed the country by air in 30 days. Rodgers finished in 49 days with many stops, so he missed the prize. It was still the first flight across the whole country.

  1. CAP Teacher's Guide for Aerospace: The Journey of Flight (lesson outlines) www.gocivilairpatrol.com/media/cms/2nd_edition_Teachers_Guide_5D3166D76F9B1.pdf
    Calbraith Perry Rodgers on board the Vin Fiz Flyer completed the journey in 49 days and missed the prize money.
    Checked 2026-10-10.

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