Take a gander at this.

[40 Deluxe]

Originally Posted by 40 Deluxe

Lindberg's claim to fame (and fortune) was the prize (put up by a newspaper) for being the first to fly non-stop New York to Paris. Flying solo was his idea, it was not required for the prize.

Did some research: The prize was $25,000, put up up by a hotel owner named Orteig, not a newspaper. Going non-stop was the only rule. A lot of attempts were made by tri-motor planes with 3 and 4 man crews. Some failed due to hissy fits and cat fights among crew members and sponsors. Others crashed. Lindberg went solo with a single engine plane to save weight for more fuel. He also went without a radio and parachute to save weight, but did have an inflatable raft.