McLeod's Daring Pole To Pole Flight Is On Its Way

With a weather window of opportunity pushing Gus McLeod to head South, ASAP, in his bid to fly a record flight around the earth via both poles, it had to be a relief to finally get airborne. Gus McLeod left Sebastian, FL, at noon, Tuesday on a good old fashioned adventure. 

Having already visited the North Pole via open cockpit biplane, McLeod has decided on a new set of challenges in his bid to circle the earth via both Poles in a highly modified Korean Velocity variant called the "Firefly."

Dr. Gustavus McLeod is the first person to fly in an open cockpit airplane (and, admittedly, possibly the only one who would want to...) to the North Pole. He is also the recipient of an honorary doctoral degree from Florida Atlantic University in 2002. His flight, which will be tracked by professors at FAU as well as middle-school children around the globe. A partnership comprised of McLeod, FAU, the FAA, Three Roads Communications and others are developing a multi-media educational program on the history of aviation -- aimed at middle-school children -- as well as a three-part documentary series for future syndication.

Based on the Velocity XL, the Korea Aerospace Research Institute Firefly has a cruise speed of 170 Knots, using the motive energies contained in a single Lycoming IO-540 (260HP) powerplant. The IFR-equipped Firefly has a span of 33 feet, and has been modified to handle the estimated 4300 pound gross weight necessary to complete the mission (when fueled up with nearly 350 gallons of fuel). At 250% of the aircraft's empty weight, the heavily laden Firefly will have to fly one leg of 4950 miles -- from Ushuaia (Argentina) to the South Pole and back.

The flight will take McLeod from Florida to Panama and on to Lima, Peru; Santiago, Chile; Ushuaia, Argentina; over the South Pole and back, through Buenos Aries to Rio de Janeiro; and on to Senegal, Madrid. Paris, Glasgow, Norway. to the North Pole and back through Canada to College Park and his final landing in Sebastian, Florida. The world-record setting flight is expected to take slightly less than two months -- though one must note that recent attempts at Polar flights have rarely been able to meet any sort of schedule.

In other words, it's going to be a grueling trip... But why would a Father of three, nearing the age of 50, take on such a challenge after already proving his mettle in an even more physically punishing adventure?

A statement by Gus seems to reveal some pretty intense motivation... the kind that should make every aviator proud... "I am often asked, 'Why?' Why take such risk? That question has been asked since humans first walked out of Africa. It is in our nature to take risk. Each of us, in our own way, push the boundaries. We strive to make our lives and our children's lives better. We explore the mysteries around us and yearn to go beyond. Heroes amongst us push the limits of science, poetry, and philosophy.  Our achievements lie in our willingness to take risk. I am not a hero. I am an aviator. I received a gift from those that forged a path to the sky. These were individuals that gave their intellect and sacrificed their lives to give us wings. Heroes like the Wright Brothers, Wiley Post , Roscoe Turner, the WASP and the Tuskegee Airmen. To the pioneers of flight I owe a debt. The payment is to keep the magic alive. I want to pass on to another generation the magic of flight. Through my adventures, I hope to spark the imagination to the thrill of flight and awaken a yearning to take to the sky. I was once asked, 'What will be your reward for these risky adventures?' If someone comes up to me and says, 'I'm in aviation because of you.' I will have paid my debt and have my reward."

As an African American, Gus is also aware of the unique place he has in aviation right now... a distinction that was recognized by at least two of the original Tuskegee Airmen who came to see him off... his flight is, in part, a dedication to them and is also conceived to be an incentive to young people all over the world. 

For the last few weeks, Gus, and a crew from Korea's KARI , as well as much of the staff of Velocity, have been preparing the aircraft for the flight. Custom fiberglass tanks were painstakingly built to handle the extra fuel, the avionics were upgraded extensively (including the installation of a Tru-Trak autopilot), the aircraft's weight and balance inspected/configured carefully, new cylinders installed on the Lycoming, a satellite phone installed, and everything checked again and again. In other words, no one has been getting any extra sack time this week.

As a few last minute gremlins were tweaked (GPS antenna wiring, mostly) and a departure nearing, McLeod grew visibly anxious to get on the way. Having prepared for so long, he was committed to (finally) leaving, and the last minute delays and media moments were distracting him from his flight, "I'm going to feel much better when it's just me and that plane. I just want to get in the air and get started."

In short order, he got his wish... after a few short remarks, some hug time with his wife and a daughter and a few last words with Velocity President Duane Swing (below, left, with Gus), McLeod squeezed into the fuel-tank encumbered cockpit and flew off to the South... but not before making a pass for his friends, rocking his wings freely on the way out. Over the course of the next several weeks, and 33,000+ miles, McLeod will partake in an exciting and unusual adventure. We'll keep you up to date as to his progress and wish him Godspeed and a great adventure as he works his way back home... the long way.

FMI: www.gusmcleod.com, www.fau.edu/solopoletopole