Two aviators will fly both of the world's poles and break a 40-year record
August 10, 2011, 07:53 pm
Mickey Russell and Jay Jones, two U.S. aviators, intend to enter the history books this fall as they plan on breaking a record that has stood for 40 years. The two men plan on breaking the world speed record of flying around the world over both the poles.
"More people have stood on the moon than have flown over both of the world's poles in a propeller-driven aircraft," Russell said.
The intended flight will take place in November, to capitalize on favorable conditions and to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the first successful expedition to the South Pole in 1911, as well as the 40th anniversary of the first successful flight over both of planet earth's poles. Elgen Long completed the feat in 1971 over 28 days, and Russell and Jones plan to do the same in 24 days.
Since the majority of the route will be flown over water and ice, the aviators needed to find a plane with a 5,200-mile range. They chose the Beechcraft Queen Air that will be fully equipped with all the latest modern avionics and navigation equipment.
The expedition will doubtless be dangerous, and both Russell and Jones will likely ensure that their pilot life insurance plans are up-to-date.
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