PARAPLEGIC PILOT DAVE SYKES TO FLY AROUND THE WORLD

British paraplegic pilot Dave Sykes is planning another epic flight - this time 23,000 miles around the world in his weight-shift microlight specially equipped to take his wheelchair.

In 2011, Dave flew solo in the microlight from Rufforth Airfield in the UK, where he is a member of York Flying Club, to Sydney, Australia, battling with weather and officialdom all the way. The story of that flight can be found in his amazing book, 'A Wing and a Chair - Solo Flight to Oz'.

"The challenges will be many and varied including some enormous open water crossings over shark infested seas, extreme weather conditions and overflying some of the most hostile terrain in the world," said Dave.

"There will also be significant logistical, bureaucratic and political obstacles to overcome. It is anticipated this epic flight will take approximately 4 months, flying up to 800 miles and 7 to 9 hours per day. There will be more than 71 planned stops in total for fuel along the way.

"The route will take me through the following 27 countries," continued Dave. "Although microlights conform to stringent British requirements, there is no agreed international standard or approval. Therefore special permission will have to be sought to fly through each country en-route.

"The intention is to depart in early 2015 or 2014 as soon as the funds will allow. The weather can often be difficult at this time of year but an early departure is essential to avoid worse conditions that may prevail en-route later in the year."

Dave's 2011 trip started off quietly but media attention grew the further he flew. This time, with his ability to complete an epic flight proven, the media interest will be intense from the beginning. Already, a TV documentary has been confirmed, said Dave.

“I proved what I can do by flying to Australia," said Dave, "and this is the next step. I’ve no doubt I can go round the world and I’ve been looking forward to doing it since I started flying in 2000.

“It could take up to six months and people have told me they think it’s a big step. But I felt such a sense of achievement when I did the flight to Australia, and when I flew over Sydney Harbour Bridge I just wished everybody who supported me could have been in the back seat to experience it as well.”

A new microlight for the transglobal flight, fitted with a lightweight aluminium wheelchair, could cost £50,000 and the total cost of the trip could be £200,000, due to the paperwork, flight permissions and insurance cover involved.

“It would be done in about 200 legs, so it may be that businesses and schools could sponsor £1,000 a leg, and the fundraising can support their charities and activities and their logos could go on the microlight,” said Dave.

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Dave Sykes

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