A Long Way Round the World

The only thing missing for Round the World flights is the plane – and thats getting closer

My mission is Round the World Eastbound, then Westbound and I have an eye on a few world records. Maybe I’ll talk about that later. Lets get to the action part. First, this plane I’ve been building since Dec 1st 2011 needs finishing.

Here, late July 2024 the engine has been started and I have a couple of months more work to do until the first test flight.

I have secured a hanger a 90 minute drive from home at a country airfield for flight testing although it has a ‘short’ runway. I’m still flying my old Long-EZ every 2 weeks or so to keep the engine happy. I really want to get going in the new build where I expect to be flying almost every day, weather permitting, for some time.

After test flying I need to get moving on my IFR and flying currency skills in the new aircraft with its complex avionics and systems. Fitness and endurance training need more work before I’m ready to head off over oceans.

There will be at least one round Australia flight beginning with short hops until the plane and pilot are proven for the long stuff.

The AC-Aero Gladiator, AC-LIO-390 #AC156 engine needs proving as does my install while I’m still over land and close to familiar airports and facilities. I have a lot to do and less than a year to be ready.

The airplane has weighted in at 503kg, BEW, with a maximum weight allowed, MAUW, of 995kg. I am the manufacturer so I can set this number. A structural engineer and others have been involved given these numbers are way over the plans recommendations.

This project has had many many unexpected delays and difficulties and who knows what is to come. I remain the optimist, all I need to do is just keep going and there cannot be defeat. Problems will be overcome. Goals are set, lines in the sand are made. Sometimes, the tide comes in, washes over my plans and new lines must be drawn. That is all a part of this process.

I have a plane that has named itself  “The Beast” and it is hungry to get in the air.

“The greater danger for most of us lies not in setting our aim too high and falling short; but in setting our aim too low, and achieving our mark.” — Michelangelo

“You do the best you can and disconnect from the outcome”. — John Roncz

“Slow = less mistakes, less mistakes = fast, fast = flying sooner”
— Wade Parton (Airdog77)

“Your focus determines your reality” — George Lucas

“Adventure is framed by the vehicle” — Dave Berenholtz