16 May 2016
Jon Hilton, the British pilot who is attempting to fly a microlight aircraft around the world, has decided to end the bid and return to the UK.
A combination of issues have led Jon to make this decision including permits to overfly, visas and overheating problems with his Flight Design CTSW aircraft. He has so far reached Jordan in 11 days of flying.
“Bad news… I’m very sorry about this,” said Jon on his Facebook page earlier today. “Just checked India Zulu (the aircraft) and she’s struggling with the heat. She has a few problems which may deteriorate into big problems.
“I’ve had to make a judgement call and as we’re struggling with the revised Saudi permits and my Indian visa runs out tomorrow, and it’s only going to get hotter, I’ve decided to turn round and head home. I’ll personally refund any charity donations people have made. I’ll try again next year, March 2017.”
1 comment
I just want to point out that there were no issues with permits or overflight clearances until a number of delays, unrelated to permits, meant a lot of permit revision and reapplying for permits. This all takes time and with the heat and problems with the aircraft multiplying it was decided that any more time waiting would be detrimental to the aircraft in 45C heat and of course, Jon’s Indian visa would run out. All efforts were made to make this successful but a sick aircraft is a sick aircraft and prudence was the decision made, not lightly, but after many hours of discussions and planning. I have nothing but praise for my colleagues who have spent many hours and sleepless nights trying to keep Jon moving forward. However he will go again next year, but with more preparation, a fully capable aircraft and the most important thing…knowledge gained from his first trip across the Mediterranean to what, as he has now found out, is a completely different kettle of fish to what he is used to in the UK and Europe. We will be working with Jon and our colleagues around the world over the coming 9 months to make sure that the next trip will go much more smoothly…