Interesting news from Slovenian LSA manufacturer Pipistrel: Matevž Lenarčič, the extreme pilot who flew around the world twice already, is in the air again. This time he is flying a solo flight over the North Pole in a Pipistrel SW.
The pilot is flying a Pipistrel Virus-SW - the aircraft with the best performance, longest range and the most fuel-efficiency in its category in the world. Its qualities have been confirmed in the NASA competition, where it won prestigious awards two years in a row. Matevž has already accomplished several extreme flights, including two full around-the world flights, one with a Pipistrel Sinus in 2004 and one with the SW in 2012.
About this project: Experienced long distance pilot, biologist and photographer Matevž Lenarčič is off again on another adventure. Flying a light, eco-friendly 300 kg Pipistrel Virus SW aircraft he is recording black carbon readings over the Arctic.
The extreme pilot is flying from Slovenia to the North Pole, crossing from Europe to Canada and back, crossing the Atlantic via the Lindbergh route; capturing the Arctic with his amazing aerial images. The entire Arctic region has a rich history of discovery and exploration. Legendary expeditions in the name of national interests have led to discovery of new trade routes which brought strategic and capital benefits to the countries concerned.
According to our experience, the Arctic region is also very important generator of weather. Changes in the ice can have a decisive impact on the speed and direction of ocean currents and thus the lives of the entire world. In the early 21st century Arctic expeditions are still frequent, the North Polar Region has been crossed on foot, on skis, with icebreakers, submarines and aircraft. But Light and Ultralight planes are still extremely rare in this part of the world. Despite the development of high performance ultralights no one has overflown the North Pole from one continent to another.
Additionally, the research and technical instrumentation has changed as well. Detection devices which weighed hundreds of pounds just a few years ago can now fit into fuel efficient, low cost and nature-friendly ultralight aircraft. This is also a mission of the GreenLight WorldFlight project which continues this week over the Arctic and North Pole from Europe to Canada and completes the long distance flights by flying over the North Atlantic from Newfoundland to Ireland flying parallel to the Lindberg's record flight from New York to Paris. More information is available here.
via Examiner National Edition Gadgets & Tech Channel Articles http://www.examiner.com/article/with-a-slovenian-light-sport-aircraft-over-the-north-pole?cid=roadrunner