President's Pilot To Set Aviation Record With Cirrus SR22 For The Benefit Of Angel Flight East

This sounds like a fun and worthwhile project (not to mention one in which GA looks REALLY good)...

On March 16, 2004, Lieutenant Colonel Charles "Lindy" Kirkland will attempt to break a National Aeronautic Association (NAA) sanctioned record by landing at 100 Virginia runways in a single day. The historic flight will benefit Angel Flight East and raise up to $100,000 for the organization. With the aid of fellow aviator Major Rob Krieg and the help of Cirrus, who has donated use of a Cirrus SR22, LTC Kirkland will complete these landings on all 67 public- use runways and selected military and private fields in Virginia.

Kirkland is a command pilot with Marine Helicopter Squadron One (HMX-1) in Quantico, VA. This squadron provides air transport for President Bush, Vice President Cheney, and heads of state and cabinet members. LTC Kirkland has chosen to carry out this mission in the Cirrus SR22, donated by Cirrus, because of its speed, mission capabilities and unsurpassed situational awareness for the pilot. The flight, which will begin and end at Dulles International Airport, will span more than 1,500 nautical miles.

A firm believer in the good that general aviation can accomplish, Kirkland explains, "During the centennial year of aviation, I was reminded in so many ways just what an incredible invention the airplane has been. I'm really excited about general aviation, and an organization like Angel Flight East really epitomizes general aviation doing a great service for the population."

"Few people from the general public understand the absolutely critical role played by general aviation pilots in life-saving Angel flights," says Randy S. Bolinger, executive director of marketing for Cirrus. "Without the collective efforts and donation of time and resources by thousands of private pilots in general aviation aircraft, people around the country would find themselves without access to much needed treatment. It is for this reason that we are delighted to support Angel Flight East through the donated use of the Cirrus SR22. We hope this flight will help raise the awareness and funds needed to keep this fine organization going for many years."

Angel Flight East is a 501 (c)(3) charitable non-profit organization of volunteer pilots that serves the needs of the community by facilitating free air transportation to critical medical care. Angel Flight is honored to be the non-profit recipient for this momentous event that will create a new milestone in the history of aviation. Tami Bream, Executive Director of Angel Flight East, explains, "We are thrilled that Lindy and Cirrus have teamed up for this historic flight and are going to such great lengths to raise awareness of and money to help us continue our services."

Sporty's Pilot Shop and Jeppesen have also made product donations to this admirable cause. The general public is urged to participate by pledging a specific dollar/cent amount for every runway Lindy and Rob land on, and corporate sponsor support is also encouraged. The rain date for this event is March 17, 2004.

FMI: www.cirrusdesign.com, www.angelflighteast.org, (800) 383-WING, or (215) 283-9400