Two Swiss airline pilots launched April 30 on an around-the-world journey, each flying a modified Flight Design CTLS light sport aircraft. Yannick Bovier and Francisco Agullo left Sion, Switzerland, on the first leg of a tour that will take them 27,500 miles through 18 countries and across five continents and two oceans.
Not surprisingly, the CTLS aircraft are modified to enable them to carry out such long legs. The stock CTLS holds 35 gallons of fuel; HB-WAY (“Céline”) and HB-WYB (“Dreamcatcher”) carry 120 gallons of fuel. The two airplanes also have additional navigational and survival equipment.
The global trek was launched to commemorate the 100th anniversary of Swiss aviation, but other objectives include encouraging young people to take an interest in aviation; inspiring other people to fulfill their dreams; and to “promote a more ecological and economical general aviation in order to reduce its environmental impact in the future,” according to a news release.
During the week of May 17 through 21, the pilots plan to make stops in Miami, Dallas, Las Vegas, and Monterey, Calif., according to John Gilmore, national sales manager for Flight Design USA, the U.S. distributor of CT aircraft, which are manufactured in Germany. CT owners are encouraged to meet the pilots, he said. “We believe this immense undertaking shows very well how effective the CTLS can be at flying long distances,” he said.
You can view a map of the pilots’ route and follow their progress online.
Jill W. Tallman
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