Fri, Oct 14, 2005
RV-4 Pilot Holds 48 World Flight Records
Australian pilot, Jon
Johanson, has been honored with the world's highest aviation award,
the Gold Medal of the Federation Aeronautique Internationale (FAI),
to be given at a ceremony in Paris Friday night.
Johanson has received the gold medal in recognition of his
outstanding contribution to the development of aeronautics in sport
aviation.
The medal was presented at the opening ceremony of the
conference celebrating 100 years of the FAI, according to the
organization.
"Johanson's hard work, meticulous planning, initiative and
commitment when building his own small aircraft were supremely
demonstrated when he flew it over distances and terrains that would
have challenged the most intrepid and skilful aviators in much
larger, industrially produced aircraft," said FAI Secretary General
Max Bishop.
Johanson (above), 49, has spent thousands of hours building,
modifying and testing his single engine RV-4 sport aircraft, VH-NOJ
for the long distance flights. He holds 48 FAI world records.
His record making flights have included:
- Three times around the world (heading east, west and
north)
- Over the north pole (part of the third round the world
flight)
- Over the south pole (first solo single engine)
"It is a huge honor to receive this international award,"
Johanson said. He joins the list of three other celebrated
Australians who have been awarded the FAI Gold Medal. They are Bert
Hinkler (1928), Sir Donald Anderson (1973) and Peter Lloyd
(1989).
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