Two men plan to fly their Rotax-912S-powered, aluminum-constructed and modified D6 Sling light sport airplane (not as modified) around the world, carrying up to 118 gallons in each wing for the longer legs, including at least one over-ocean stretch of more than 2,000 nautical miles. Mike Blyth and James Pitman hope to begin the journey at Johannesburg, South Africa this week (they’re aiming for Thursday) and they expect to make a stop at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh. The complicated task of preparation entails more than aircraft modifications as evidenced by “delays in documentation and flying permits” that have (at the time of this writing) set the departure date back (but just one day) to Thursday. Their final preparations have involved autopilot and propeller adjustments and inoculations as recommended for the multitude of countries they plan to greet along their way.
As planned, Pilots Mike Blyth and James Pitman will see their longest legs between Guinea and Brazil, and California and Hawaii. The two have previously captured flying adventures on DVD and are both co-owners of The Airplane Factory, which sells the Sling aircraft. Interested observers can follow the two online.
