PILOTS REMIND THE WORLD OF HISTORIC FLIGHTS

Two pilots recently completed trips that recreated historic flights, one that ended in triumph and another that ended in tragedy.

Bill Signs, a Texas businessman, flew his single-engine plane across the Atlantic Ocean to Paris, following the same route as Charles Lindbergh's history-making flight in the "Spirit of St. Louis" in 1927.

Linda Finch completed a 26,000-mile around-the-world flight in an airplane that was the same model as the plane Amelia Earhart used in her effort to circle the globe 60 years ago.

The flights made by both Signs and Finch were more of historical interest than anything else. Their planes were equipped with sophisticated equipment that both Lindbergh and Earhart would have welcomed.

Flying buffs who studied those two pioneer pilots know the dangers each faced and the overwhelming odds against completing either attempt. Lindbergh's greatest test -- once his plane managed to become airborne despite the extra fuel for the long flight -- was staying awake. His trip to Paris lasted 33 hours. Signs managed the same flight in about 22 hours and with 500 pounds less of fuel. Earhart, who vanished in the South Pacific in July 1937, was tested both on her piloting skills and her ability to navigate under less-than-ideal circumstances. Sixty years later, no one knows what went wrong.

Both of the recent flights managed to accomplish several goals. For one thing, the solo flights paid a fitting tribute to two aviation heroes. And in doing so, they reminded the world of those accomplishments and generated renewed interest. Finch used the stops along her around-the-world flight path to visit with curious onlookers and talk about the famous Earhart attempt.

For a while, at least, but Lindbergh and Earhart were much on the minds of millions of people worldwide who paused to consider the personal risks those two pilots had endured in order to advance the cause of aviation. For that both Signs and Finch have earned well-deserved accolades.