Cites Weather On The Route As Reason For Postponing Flight

The Solar Impulse team has delayed the airplane's departure from China to Hawaii citing worsening weather over the Pacific Ocean.

The team had planned to embark on the six-day crossing on Tuesday. But CNN reports that the flight was cancelled late Monday because of the unfavorable weather forecast.

Solar Impulse has been in Nanjing, China since April 21. A previous leg from Chongquing to Nanjing was also delayed by weather when a planned overnight stop extended into three weeks on the ground.

The initial weather forecast had the team estimating the passage from China to Hawaii at six days and six night, but an updated forecast Monday forced them to revise the projection to seven days for the 4,971-mile leg, the longest of the trip.

Solar Impulse is attempting to circumnavigate the globe using only electricity generated by solar panels on board the airplane. The power is stored in batteries to allow the plane to fly at night. The plane is equipped with an autopilot that will allow the human pilot to catch 20-minute naps during long flights as weather permits.

The delay is indefinite. Solar Impulse managing director Gregory Blatt told CNN that it is not known when the next opportunity for the crossing will arise.

FMI: www.solarimpulse.com