Tue, Feb 24, 2004
The Good News: Gus And Plane Are Okay
On Monday, ANN gave you the latest update on Dr. Gus McLeod's
effort to become the first person to solo circumnavigate the world
from pole to pole. Unfortunately, the spokesperson who talked to us
on McLeod's behalf, confused a few of the developing news
items.
So, we decided to talk to Duane Swing, owner of Velocity
Aircraft Inc, the company providing key aircraft support for
McLeod's trip. McLeod's aircraft -- called Firefly -- is a modified
version of the Velocity design. Swing told ANN the Firefly's engine
did not lose total power during his landing in a rural town north
of Buenos Aires, Argentina. "The engine began to rough and Gus
decided to make the landing," he said. "It (the engine) never
stopped".
McLeod was 80 miles north of Buenos Aires when the problems
began. As a result, he decided to land on a dirt road, which seemed
to offer the best landing environment in the area. The aircraft
touched down -- under power -- without incurring any damage. The
only harm inflicted during the event was in taxi, as McLeod
attempted to maneuver around some bushes. The casualty: a broken
navlight.
Swing told ANN that McLeod reported a broken fuel diaphragm and
water in the fuel tank as the culprit for the rough-running engine.
Swing said the Velocity crew is working on a modification to help
prevent water-contamination from entering the fuel system.
So, what's next for McLeod? Once the Firefly is fixed, he plans
on returning to Buenos Aires, where he'll prepare for a return to
the United States. McLeod's first scheduled US stop is Velocity's
base in Sebastian (FL), where the aircraft will receive a series of
modifications, including the water-contamination fix. From there,
McLeod will travel to his home in Maryland for several weeks of
rest and relaxation. But don't think McLeod has surrendered his
desire to make the record books. He plans on reversing his original
route by flying to the North Pole first and then eventually working
his way down south for his second polar crossing later this year.
The optimal season for the South Pole crossing begins in November.
As always, we'll keep you informed on the latest news from this
Polar adventure.
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