Slow Going

St John’s, Newfoundland – April 4, 2007 – A 23-year-old student attempting to fly around the world solo is being hampered by poor weather and is already a week behind his original schedule. In his April 3 blog, EAA member Barrington Irving writes that he is in St. John’s, Newfoundland, Canada, facing temperatures of –9 degrees. “It is beautiful here with all the snow and ice; however, I’m ready to continue my flight as soon as the weather provides me an opportunity. I’m continuing to be patient and awaiting better weather to cross the North Atlantic. Patience is a virtue and I am taking this opportunity to learn about a different culture that has great citizens.” If successful, Irving’s trip will land him in the record books twice — for being the youngest and first black pilot to fly around the world solo. From almost the start, bad weather has plagued Irving’s flight. He departed Miami, Florida on March 23, and encountered rain and turbulence once he reached the Ohio state line before landing in Cleveland. His next stop was New York, where a low-pressure system kept his hostage a few days. While waiting to fly out of New York, he wrote: “Yesterday was a perfect example that a pilot should know his or her limits and fly within them. I constantly remind myself that this is not a race but rather I am running a marathon and must pace myself safely. “ Irving said that despite trying to set two world records, most people recognize his real mission — promoting career opportunities in aviation and addressing the shortage of aviation professionals. More than 2,000 people gathered to see him depart Miami, including more than 1,000 students. “I would have never imagined that the launch would have a significant impact nationwide. Who would have ever thought that the student who started off washing planes when he couldn’t afford to fly is now on national television making an impact amongst today’s future leaders?” Irving, flying a single-engine Columbia 400, will cross the Atlantic Ocean, through Europe, the Middle East and Asia before returning to Florida around April 30. His next stop is Santa Maria, Azores. A student at Florida Memorial University, Irving has earned private and commercial pilot certificates, as well as his flight instructor certificate and instrument rating. In addition, he founded Experience Aviation, a non-profit organization that encourages minority young people to pursue aviation careers.

Barrington Irving Barrington’s airplane, “Inspiration” takes flight from Miami Opa-locka Executive Airport on March 23 on the first leg of his around-the-world flight attempt. Photos from Experience Aviation. For More Information Barrington’s Journal Track the Flight Barrington Launches his Flight

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