Fort Worth, Texas, Dec. 11, 2006 – Two English pilots took off Tuesday on a trip that they hope will land them in the record books for flying around the world via the South and North Poles.
Jennifer Murray, 66, and Colin Bodill, 55, departed Dec. 5 from Fort Worth, Texas in their Bell 407 as a crowd of about 250 people cheered. Just two days into the trip, dubbed Polar First, the two were forced to alter their route because of bad weather. Where are they now?
Murray and Bodill expect to land at the South Pole in January and to reach the North Pole in April. The two should then return to Fort Worth by late May. If everything goes as planned, they will travel for 169 days, visit 34 countries and cover 36,206 nautical miles.
The team's first attempt at the record failed in 2003 when, 58 days into their journey, their helicopter crashed in whiteout conditions in Antarctica, 120 miles from the nearest camp. Both pilots suffered serious injuries and it took rescue crews 17 hours to reach them.
"We’ve always said we’ll have another go, and that’s exactly what we’re going to do – we’ve got unfinished business," Murray said before starting out.
On this trip, the two also hope to educate students about their flight. They are working in partnership with the Royal Geographical Society, and will visit with about 30 schools along the route.
Traveling with just one other person on such an extended and challenging trip can get tiring. When the going gets tough, Murray says the two stop talking and get on with the job.
And what are Murray and Bodill most likely to disagree on?
“The choice of music we play in the helicopter as we fly along,” Murray said. Murray likes classical. “But Colin says it sends him to sleep – so we have a problem.”
Want to Know More?
Log onto the Polar First Web site, and ask the pilots what you want to know. Here are some of the questions already posted:
What will you eat on your trip?
Whatever the local food is, except in the Polar regions where we will survive on dehydrated foods provided by Expedition Foods and chocolate and nuts. We also always carry plenty of water in the helicopter to stop dehydration.
How do you go to the bathroom when you are in the air?
There's a rather nifty item for ladies called a 'Lady Jane'. I carried one when I flew around the world in 2000, but luckily never had to use it. You can usually find somewhere to land in a helicopter.
Jennifer Murray at a Glance
•She was born in the United States and educated in the United Kingdom.
•In 1997, she entered the Guinness Book of Records as the first woman to circumnavigate the globe in a helicopter, raising money for Save the Children.
•In 2000 she became the first to fly a helicopter solo around the world.
•In 2001, Murray and Bodill set a world speed record for helicopters during the London to Sydney Air Race.
•She learned to fly helicopters at 54. Now 66, she is a grandmother.
Colin Bodill at a Glance
•Bodill is a microlight flier and helicopter pilot since 1975.
•Having won the UK championships several times, Bodill became World Champion in 1995.
•In 1998 he set a world speed record from London to Sydney.
•In 2000 he became the first person to circumnavigate the globe solo in a weight-shift microlight.
•He is 55 and lives in Nottingham. He has a 10-year-old son.
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Jennifer Murray and Colin Bodill at the South Pole.
Jennifer Murray talks with reporters before the first attempt to fly around the world via the North and South Poles in 2003.
Colin Bodill gets the helicopter ready for their 169-day trip around the world.
Jennifer Murray and Colin Bodill waving from Carvajal, Antarctica in 2003.
For More Information
Jennifer Murray
Colin Bodill
Polar First
Jennifer and Colin’s Current Whereabouts
Royal Geographical Society
Polar First Web site
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