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The feat came about thanks to the generous helping hand of the Pakistani Air Force. Wing Commanders Rahul Monga and Anil Kumar had touched down at Bhuj in Gujarat from Karachi on Saturday night.
Pakistani authorities had allowed them to land in that port city following a sudden change of plan.
The duo arrived at Air Force Station Hindon on Sunday, creating a new world record of the "fastest" round the world trip in a microlight aircraft.
Asked about the experience, Monga said, "it was thoroughly enjoyable. We got to meet different people from varied cultures. It was a good gesture from all the countries who supported us, including Pakistan."
The expedition, flagged in by Air Chief Air Chief Marshal F H Major, saw the pilots cover a total of 40,497 kms in 80 days flying over 19 countries.
The duo achieved a speed of 21.092 kmph bettering the record of 16.53 kmph set by Colin Bodil of the UK in 2001.
The Round-the-World microlight expedition was flagged off on 1st June by Major from Hindon as a part of Platinum Jubilee Celebrations of the IAF.
The aim was to circumnavigate the earth (minimum distance of 36,889 kms) in the shortest period of time.
The Air Chief in his address at the time of Flag-Off ceremony had directed them to go "Around the World in Eighty Days."
"These two have shown what trans-oceanic reach really is. We are thankful to the governments of all the nations who supported us. They have built goodwill for the IAF," said Air Chief Marshal Major, lauding the two pilots. - DDNEWS
Posted August 19th, 2007 by Armen Hareyan
