"Freedom Flight" trike pilot, EAA member, needs help to get his aircraft out of China 

On December 16, 2003, as a celebration of the first ten years of a democratic South Africa, and as South Africa's contribution to the commemoration of the 100th year of powered flight, two pilots -- Ricky de Agrela and Alan Honeyborne -- embarked on an 18-month microlighting expedition around the world. The 80,000 km journey was to have encompassed 50 countries and 6 continents, in an exhibition of the true South African Spirit.

Unfortunately, Alan Honeybourne was killed in an a flying accident on May 28 in central China. The other pilot, de Agrela, is now trying to continue but is having great difficulty getting permission from the Chinese to do so. The Russians have also not given approval.

Supporters are searching for any freight aircraft in the area flying between China and North America that could pick up Ricky in Wuhan, China and get him and his trike to Vancouver or Anchorage so he can continue his round the world flight if the authorities will not budge.

He is trying to get to Airventure Oshkosh and then continue around the USA, out through Canada to Europe, and finally back to Cape Town.

The project has a web site, on the FMI link below, that has captured the imagination of the world. This will be a world record for an aircraft of this size -- in 3,000 km he will have broken the existing record and after that he will be increasing it.

If you can help, or know someone who can assist, you can contact Glyn Hall using the eMail link below or calling him at +27-83-444-4099.

FMI: www.safreedomflight.com, eMail glynhall@iafrica.com