Forget Those Caribbean Jaunts...

04.01.06 'Special' Edition: Aero-News has learned of Air Journey's latest long distance tour... the first-ever Journey to the Moon for private planes.

In working closely with a private entity (identified only by the initials B.R.), Air Journey has developed a safe, self-contained survival capsule as well as an easy modification to receive engine fuel in order to let them fly to the moon.

The planes will be carried aloft, piggyback-style, aboard a modified booster rocket, codenamed "Sideburns." The planes will ride to orbit in a specially-designed chamber atop the booster, that also features panoramic windows. Thanks to the survival capsules, pilots will be at the controls of their aircraft for the entire trip, even as passengers.

"Our destination is a resort at the Tranquility Base on the Moon, and in keeping with the tradition of Air Journey, we will spend two nights at every resort along the way," said Air Journey spokesman Leo Spoque. "Our first stop will be the International Space Station with their palatial accommodations, their infinity pool and their eight-star gourmet restaurant."

In addition to the special requirements needed to prepare Cessnas, Pipers, and Beechcrafts for transorbital flight, Air Journey -- along with a team of skin specialists -- has developed a cosmic ray cream which will protect the participants from the strong cosmic rays, while also enhancing the copper color associated with tanning.

"Our second stop of this exciting journey will be the Limbo 357, which is a boutique spaceship that has been gravitating around the moon for some time and which will be our home for three nights," said Mr. Spoque. "Unfortunately, our accommodations will be bunk beds, but it is the only space available at that time of year between the International Space Station and Tranquility Base."

Air Journey reports it is still finalizing the re-supply for avgas and jet fuel along the way, but the company doesn’t expect a problem.

Departing from Tranquility Base, the return journey will follow the same path.

"The only real issue we see will be during reentry," Spoque told ANN. "Let's face it... a Bonanza isn't a space shuttle. Pilots will be trained to maneuver their aircraft in optimal reentry attitude, through the use of reactive thrusters applied to the aircraft before launch from Earth."

"Those rockets -- and a special ablative covering applied to the nose, lower fuselage, and wings of each participating aircraft to protect the planes during re-entry -- will be jettisoned upon atmospheric reentry, at approximately 100,000 feet MSL," Spoque added.

Air Journey has been secretly marketing the moon trip over the last few months, so you must react quickly as only three spots are still available. All participants will also receive tailor-made space suits, including a helmet and boots, as well as a special commemorative sticker to place with pride on their aircraft.

FMI: www.airjourney.com