Weather, Politics Delay Pole Overflight

Dr. Gustavus McLeod has faced many obstacles in his quest to become the first person to solo circumnavigate the world from pole to pole.

First there were electrical problems and then fuel issues plagued the aircraft. A forced landing courtesy of the Ecuadorian military -- due to a flight planning issue -- was obviously a moment of high tension. Now, as McLeod nears crossing the South Pole, he faces weather-related and political delays.

Gus’ first assault on the South Pole, while unsuccessful, provided valuable information and lessons. A non-stop flight around the Pole and back to Ushuaia, Argentina seems difficult now because of the three vastly different weather systems that need to be navigated through. Favorable weather simultaneously in all three areas is highly unlikely, so the ideal scenario for a second attempt would require two stops on the continent. Gus would need to fly from Ushuaia to the Argentinean research station at Marambio, then to US McMurdo Station facility.

From there, he could fly on to New Zealand. Unfortunately, Gus is running into the same problems Jon Johansen faced a few weeks ago, where landing authorization at McMurdo has been denied. Johansen was forced to land anyway, costing him much time and heartache and nearly his aircraft. McLeod would rather not follow that path, and lacking permission to land at McMurdo, he believes it will be impossible to complete this historic adventure. 

While the Argentinean government has been very cooperative in allowing McLeod to land at Marambio, getting permission from the US government to land at McMurdo is extremely difficult. Meanwhile, McLeod's support team is busy contacting members of Congress for assistance before the weather once again turns for the worse over Antarctica.

Of course, this isn't Gus McLeod's first polar attempt. The 47 year-old adventurous aviator  and father of three, made history for the first time in April 2000 when he flew solo to the North Pole in an open cockpit biplane.

FMI:  http://www.gusmcleod.com