Wed, Feb 11, 2004
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.
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