Forget Those Caribbean Jaunts...
04.01.06
'Special' Edition: Aero-News has learned of Air Journey's
latest long distance tour... the first-ever Journey to the Moon for
private planes.
In working closely with a private entity (identified only by the
initials B.R.), Air Journey has developed a safe, self-contained
survival capsule as well as an easy modification to receive engine
fuel in order to let them fly to the moon.
The planes will be carried aloft, piggyback-style, aboard a
modified booster rocket, codenamed "Sideburns." The planes will
ride to orbit in a specially-designed chamber atop the booster,
that also features panoramic windows. Thanks to the survival
capsules, pilots will be at the controls of their aircraft for the
entire trip, even as passengers.
"Our destination is a resort at the Tranquility Base on the
Moon, and in keeping with the tradition of Air Journey, we will
spend two nights at every resort along the way," said Air Journey
spokesman Leo Spoque. "Our first stop will be the International
Space Station with their palatial accommodations, their infinity
pool and their eight-star gourmet restaurant."
In addition to the special requirements needed to prepare
Cessnas, Pipers, and Beechcrafts for transorbital flight, Air
Journey -- along with a team of skin specialists -- has developed a
cosmic ray cream which will protect the participants from the
strong cosmic rays, while also enhancing the copper color
associated with tanning.
"Our second stop of this exciting journey will be the Limbo 357,
which is a boutique spaceship that has been gravitating around the
moon for some time and which will be our home for three nights,"
said Mr. Spoque. "Unfortunately, our accommodations will be bunk
beds, but it is the only space available at that time of year
between the International Space Station and Tranquility Base."
Air Journey reports it is still finalizing the re-supply for
avgas and jet fuel along the way, but the company doesn’t
expect a problem.
Departing from Tranquility Base, the return journey will follow
the same path.
"The only real issue we
see will be during reentry," Spoque told ANN. "Let's face it... a
Bonanza isn't a space shuttle. Pilots will be trained to maneuver
their aircraft in optimal reentry attitude, through the use of
reactive thrusters applied to the aircraft before launch from
Earth."
"Those rockets -- and a special ablative covering applied to the
nose, lower fuselage, and wings of each participating aircraft to
protect the planes during re-entry -- will be jettisoned upon
atmospheric reentry, at approximately 100,000 feet MSL," Spoque
added.
Air Journey has been secretly marketing the moon trip over the
last few months, so you must react quickly as only three spots
are still available. All participants will also receive tailor-made
space suits, including a helmet and boots, as well as a special
commemorative sticker to place with pride on their aircraft.