Now Headed To Abu Dhabi In World Record Attempt

British Army Warrant Officer Barry Jones was making ready to depart from Bahrain to Abu Dhabi Monday, in his quest to be the first person ever to fly a gyroplane around the world.

WO Barry Jones, 37, began Expedition Global Eagle on April 26th, when he departed from the Museum of Army Aviation at Middle Wallop, Hampshire, England. The Lynx helicopter pilot says both he and his gyroplane are in good shape -- but the flight does get lonely.

"The most challenging part is being on my own, if you land late in the day you have to find accommodation, food and fuel and it can be quite tough," he said in an interview with the Bahrain Daily News. "But what keeps me going is knowing that more than two million children are watching my website every day to see where I am, so I can't stop."

So far, Jones has flown over Belgium, Germany, Italy, Greece, Cyprus, Egypt and Jordan. Before it's over, the flight will take him through the UAE, Oman, Pakistan, India, Burma, Laos, Vietnam, China, Russia, the US, Canada, Greenland and Iceland. He'll wind up back in the UK.

Jones says his expedition, which is raising money for charity, needs a bit more exposure. "We really need sponsors, I thought we would have lots more interest, but we still need help."

FMI: www.globaleagle.co.uk