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Participants will fly partway around the world as a member-sponsor of Project FlyRTW80, a “round the world in 80 days” sky voyage benefitting two life-saving causes, from May to August 2014. Project FlyRTW80 starts May 12th in Toronto, with stops in Scotland, Europe, the Middle East, Asia, Australia, Polynesia, the USA and Central & South America, wrapping up in Perth, Scotland.
The adventure is organised by Chris Elgar of Burlington, Ont. and Dave McElroy, chairman of the Scottish Aero Club in Perth, Scotland. Its purpose is to raise funds, in support of autism research at The Hospital for Sick Children (SickKids) in Toronto, and Scotland’s Charity Air Ambulance.
The “right seat” offer is open to pilots or non-pilots, flying as co-pilot or passenger in a classic, single-engine Piper Comanche along with Dave, a recently retired vice president of wood panel maker Norbord Europe Ltd.
Chris, the aircraft owner, will accompany Dave on some of the legs. The remaining segments are being made available as additional fundraising streams. The donation required for each leg is $25,000 (£15,000). Several have already been reserved. The goal is to raise more than $500,000 between the two charities. There are three ways to participate: Cash donation, corporate sponsorship (including logo placement and a host of other benefits), and seat (leg) donation.
Canadian-born McElroy is an exceptionally well-qualified pilot with more than 40 years’ experience and 3,000 flight hours logged across Europe and the Americas. Of the trip, he says, “This is a fantastic opportunity for anyone who loves to fly, go on adventures and do good works – all these aspects are front and centre in this unique flight. Our stops will vary from wild, remote outposts, to mega-cities, to glamorous destinations including islands of the Caribbean and South Pacific.”
To fly in a portion of the FlyRTW80 project, you must have sufficient time to fly a leg (likely 2 – 3 weeks including getting to rendezvous point and then back home), be in good health, weigh no more than 95 kg (210lbs), and have a valid passport.
To find out more about the different legs available, please visit www.flyRTW80.com, email Dave McElroy at dave@flyrtw80.com, phone +44 7818 016310 (UK number). Or contact Chris Elgar in Canada: chris@flyrtw80.com, (905) 520-2755.
