Around the world in 80 days
The Indian Air Force’s microlight aircraft flown by Wg Cdr Rahul Monga and Wg Cdr Anil Kumar arrived at Air Force Station Hindon today creating a ‘New World Record’ of fastest round the world trip. The expedition was flagged in by the Chief of Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal FH Major.
Round the World microlight expedition was flagged off on 01 Jun 07 by Chief of the Air Staff from Air Force Station Hindon as a part of Platinum Jubilee Celebrations of the Indian Air Force. The aim was to circumnavigate the earth (Minimum distance of 36889 kms) in the shortest period of time. The Air Chief in his address at the time of Flag-Off ceremony had directed them to go “Around the World in eighty days”.
The expedition has covered a total distance 40,497 kms in 80 days flying over 19 countries. Wg Cdr Rahul Monga and Wg Cdr Anil Kumar have achieved a speed of 21.092 km/h, which is far better than the existing record of 16.53 km set by Mr. Colin Bodil of UK in 2001.
The crew comprising two pilots, were all by themselves during the entire expedition and carried out all the necessary maintenance and servicing on the microlight. The crew faced many challenges while flying over various kinds of terrain ranging from plains, dense forests, deserts and seas including the harsh terrain of Siberia, lofty Rockies, Alps and even over frozen waters of the North Atlantic.
The expedition experienced their share of bad weather on route. At times they had to fly longer duration sorties to avoid weather. In Russia Wg Cdr Rahul Monga flew along with a Russian navigator as per the regulations of that country. The crew crossed the International date line over Bering Strait on 06 Jul 07. In USA, the situation with respect to weather was no different. The expedition got stuck at Anchorage in Alaska for Six days. Not withstanding the weather, the crew maintained their josh and entered Canada and then to Iceland often making quick alterations to the original planned routes. The crossing of the formidable North Atlantic was done solo by Wg Cdr Rahul Monga where he negotiated inclement weather flying over frozen land and sea of icebergs for a considerable period of time.
From Iceland, they reached Germany through UK. The weather kept them on ground for four days in Germany. The crew then crossed the icy peaks of Alps and entered Italy. This expedition never had a dull movement with a minor unserviceability occurring in Italy, causing them to do an unplanned landing. The crew handled each and every situation in very professional manner.
The next challenge was the encountering of High temperatures and consequent high Density altitudes (a condition of reduced air density) which pose difficulties in flying. The hot weather coupled with mountainous terrain also led to excessive turbulence which made the flying conditions uncomfortable.
The brief stop over for refueling at Karachi in Pakistan was an unique experience for the crew prior to arriving at Ahmedabad. The last leg was flown from Ahmedabad to Hindon, to complete the arduous journey, which was required to terminate at the same location from where the aircraft was flagged off 80 days earlier, to qualify for the Record.
The pilots have under taken the task with courage and fortitude. Enroute they interacted with civil and military personnel from 19 countries and have been Goodwill ambassadors of India in general, and the Indian Air Force in particular.
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