Glennwilde Local Unveils Shocking Family Ties to Lindbergh’s Legendary Flight

The legacy of Charles Lindbergh’s historic 1927 transatlantic flight is now being further highlighted by a Maricopa resident who is on a quest to honor the unsung contributions of his grandfather, Donald A. Hall, the chief engineer behind the Spirit of St. Louis.

Nebraska-born Nova Hall, 48, has dedicated the last 25 years of his life unraveling and sharing the story of his grandfather’s pivotal role in aviation history. While Lindbergh soared into fame, Hall notes that the extensive work of his grandfather nearly faded into obscurity for decades.

Glennwilde resident Nova Hall recalls growing up with a family narrative entwined with aviation. His first real connection came while watching the film “The Spirit of St. Louis” with his father, who pointed out an actor representing Donald Hall Jr. He learned more about his grandfather’s legacy in 1999 when a discovery in the family garage changed everything.

Hall unearthed his grandfather’s World War I steamer trunk, filled with countless forgotten documents, photographs, and blueprints, which ultimately illustrated Hall Sr.’s instrumental role in constructing the famed aircraft. Despite credits going to Ryan Airlines in various depictions, it was clear from the find that Donald A. Hall was key to developing the plane and partnering with Lindbergh.

Donald Hall Sr., born in 1898, embarked on a career in aviation after serving in the U.S. Army. In 1927, he joined Ryan Airlines, which became the only willing partner in Lindbergh’s ambitious project. Initially proposed on a 90-day timeline, the plan was condensed to just 60 days under Lindbergh’s insistence, proving a significant leap of faith for Hall and the fledgling company.

Despite the legendary flight capturing the public’s imagination, the story of its creation remained largely unsung. Lindbergh acknowledged Hall in his autobiography years later, but the full narrative awaited Nova’s discoveries. After Donald Hall passed away in 1968, long before Nova’s birth, his grandson was initially unaware of the family’s connection to aviation history.

Nova’s journey to reclaim his grandfather’s story gained momentum over the years. He established Flying Over Time, a nonprofit organization in 2013, aimed at educating the public about his grandfather’s legacy. He also collaborated with the Lindbergh Foundation and connected with influential figures like Erik Lindbergh, raising awareness through public speaking engagements and multimedia art initiatives inspired by his familial narrative.

Among the projects Nova undertook is “The Creator Behind the Spirit of St. Louis,” a play depicting his grandfather’s life and contributions, which premiered in 2011. His efforts have recently gained traction as the 100th anniversary of the flight approaches in May 2027, with plans for a documentary and potential exhibitions at the Missouri Historical Society.

As Nova Hall prepares for this milestone, he reflects on the importance of preserving and sharing this transnational narrative, which continues to resonate with aviation enthusiasts and historians alike. “This story connects the world and inspires countless pilots,” he stated, recognizing the weight of history and its ability to repeat itself.