ON 23 March 2007, Barrington Irving, a 23-yearold aerospace student in Florida, climbed into a Columbia 400 named ‘Inspiration’ and set off on a 26,800-mile, round-the-world flight. He made it! On 27 June, he landed back at Miami having set two world records – he is the first person of African descent and the youngest person ever to fl y solo around the globe.

The Jamiacan-born Irving is no spoilt rich kid. He turned to aviation when he was just 15 to escape the inner city, winning a scholarship that covered college tuition and flying lessons.

He gained his private, commercial and CFI ratings, and then founded Experience Aviation, Inc with a $10,000 grant. Persistence paid off and he obtained more than $300,000 worth of donated components including an engine, cockpit systems and seats.

He then persuaded Columbia Aircraft to build him a speedy 400 model, modified with extended fuel tanks. Chevron provided fuel and Microsoft hosted his blog online. Irving says, “I just want to prove to other kids that the aviation industry needs young people.

This flight is just one example of what happens when a student is focused and has the support of family, sponsors and volunteers.”

W: www.experienceaviation.org