Diabetic pilot plans epic flight
May 6, 2011, 12:51 pm
A diabetic pilot who had to quit his military aviation career due to his illness, now plans to attempt a flight that will land him in the Guinness Book of World Records, according to Third Age.
The source says pilot Douglas Cairns intends to complete a record-breaking flight to the North Pole, a feat that has never before been completed with a light, twin-engine piston aircraft.
His solo-flight will reportedly begin in Barrow, Alaska, and, should all go according to plan, he would land at the North Pole approximately 15 hours later.
According to the source, Cairns will be permitted to complete the flight solo because the route is taking place over the U.S.
"The U.S. and only four other countries allow diabetic pilots to fly alone, as long as they monitor their blood sugar and take their insulin treatments," the source says.
Attempting to complete such a flight with serious health issues can be dangerous. Those with chronic illnesses who fly often may benefit from investing in life insurance for pilots, which would be able to protect their families should an unfortunate health emergency occur while in the cockpit.
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