Two EAA Members Striving to Be Youngest Solo Circumnavigators

Over the next couple of months, two young EAA members hope to break the world record for the youngest person ever to make a solo flight around the world, and promote youth involvement in aviation in the process.

Twenty-year-old Jack Wiegand is already well into his trip after departing from California’s Fresno Yosemite International Airport (FAT) on May 2.

Wiegand plans to fly his family’s Mooney Ovation2 GX approximately 21,000 nautical miles over the course of his trip, crossing three oceans and visiting 14 countries. The flight is expected to take approximately 36 days, and will include 24 scheduled stops. Wiegand had hoped to conclude his trip on June 6, landing at his starting point in Fresno but has been delayed in Sapporo, Japan due to poor weather conditions.

Nineteen-year-old Ryan Campbell, EAA 1001585, an Australia native and former EAA Young Eagle, began planning his solo trip right after earning his commercial pilot certificate two years ago. He has since partnered with World Youth International and Teen World Flight to support his trip.

Campbell will depart for his journey in a Cessna 182T on June 30, so his travel stops coincide with EAA AirVenture 2013. He will land in Appleton, Wis., on July 25, and make a short hop down to Oshkosh the following Monday, July 29.

Campbell estimates his circumnavigation will take approximately 200 flight hours, span 23,000 nautical miles, and take him to 25 destinations in 15 different countries.

Learn more about Campbell and his upcoming trip on the Teen World Flight website, www.teenworldflight.com.