The Good News: Gus And Plane Are Okay

On Monday, ANN gave you the latest update on Dr. Gus McLeod's effort to become the first person to solo circumnavigate the world from pole to pole. Unfortunately, the spokesperson who talked to us on McLeod's behalf, confused a few of the developing news items.

So, we decided to talk to Duane Swing, owner of Velocity Aircraft Inc, the company providing key aircraft support for McLeod's trip. McLeod's aircraft -- called Firefly -- is a modified version of the Velocity design. Swing told ANN the Firefly's engine did not lose total power during his landing in a rural town north of Buenos Aires, Argentina. "The engine began to rough and Gus decided to make the landing," he said. "It (the engine) never stopped".

McLeod was 80 miles north of Buenos Aires when the problems began. As a result, he decided to land on a dirt road, which seemed to offer the best landing environment in the area. The aircraft touched down -- under power -- without incurring any damage. The only harm inflicted during the event was in taxi, as McLeod attempted to maneuver around some bushes. The casualty: a broken navlight.

Swing told ANN that McLeod reported a broken fuel diaphragm and water in the fuel tank as the culprit for the rough-running engine. Swing said the Velocity crew is working on a modification to help prevent water-contamination from entering the fuel system.

So, what's next for McLeod? Once the Firefly is fixed, he plans on returning to Buenos Aires, where he'll prepare for a return to the United States. McLeod's first scheduled US stop is Velocity's base in Sebastian (FL), where the aircraft will receive a series of modifications, including the water-contamination fix. From there, McLeod will travel to his home in Maryland for several weeks of rest and relaxation. But don't think McLeod has surrendered his desire to make the record books. He plans on reversing his original route by flying to the North Pole first and then eventually working his way down south for his second polar crossing later this year. The optimal season for the South Pole crossing begins in November. As always, we'll keep you informed on the latest news from this Polar adventure.

FMI: www.gusmcleod.com