Earhart and navigation: Air & Space article (and new navigation exhibit)

[Ric Gillespie]

Ric,
A question:  Wouldn't they also have had investors that would be getting a little 'anxious' after the crash and the delay? 
Many 'investors' may have gotten 'cold feet' if the second attempt hadn't started quickly.

I'm not aware of any investors in Earhart's flights.  There were donors and creditors but I don't know of anyone who gave the Putnams money expecting a return on an investment. 

[Dan Swift]

OK.  Slightly different perspective with the same thought process.  If you raised funds from high profile donors, your  reputation is on the line therefore failure is not an option.  So let's get this show back in the air so they ALL still like us.......feel good about their donation. 

[Ric Gillespie]

your reputation is on the line therefore failure is not an option.

I think that sums up Earhart's predicament after the wreck in Hawaii.