Think Global Flight, in partnership with Ardwin Freight, will soon depart from Burbank, Calif., for completion of its around the world flight in a Citation Mustang under Captain Judy Rice’s command. Second Officer will be Ardwin Freight president and owner, Edwin Sahakain.
This effort was launched in a Cirrus SR20 donated by Guidance Aviation of Prescott, Ariz., and Baton Rouge, La. The national tour was completed in a Cirrus SR22T, donated by Ascension Aircraft at Peachtree DeKalb Airport in Atlanta. The addition of Ardwin Freight’s Citation Mustang broadens a greater representation of general aviation completing the flight in various aircraft, according to Rice.
Rice and Navigator Fred Nauer recently completed Think Global Flight’s tour across the nation interacting with students discussing careers in aviation and the importance of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (S.T.E.M) education.
VIP supporters present during the Think Global Flight official launch at SUN ‘n FUN included Astronaut Buzz Aldrin, Voyager Pilot Dick Rutan, and Tuskegee Airman Charles McGee.
In support of the effort, Aldrin will join the crew on its global journey. “Back when I was privileged to be a part of the Apollo program no one had ever heard of S.T.E.M. S.T.E.M. is exactly the focus of Think Global Flight (TGF) reaching over 20,000 students and why I strongly support Captain Judy and TGF,” he said.
Think Global Flight has set up Student Command Centers around the world, allowing teachers, students, and others to participate with the flight through the Think Global Flight app for iPhone, Androids, and iPads. Currently, there are 20,000 participants in 25 countries and 31 U.S. states.
To follow the around the world flight in real time, download the Think Global Flight app by searching “Think Global Flight App” on your mobile device and download for free.
For more information: ThinkGlobalFlight.org