Spanish pilot plans around the world flight in RV-8

MADRID, Spain — Spanish pilot and experimental aircraft builder Michel Gordillo will begin his Round-the-World flight Feb. 19, in an attempt to break the world record by flying a North/South route across the poles.

Gordillo, an experienced “Earth Rounder,” built and custom-modified his experimental RV-8 aircraft specifically for this flight.

If he is successful, Gordillo will break the FAI C-1b record for round the world flights in aircraft less than 1500 kilograms.

During the flight, he also plans to collect atmospheric pollution data over the Arctic and Antarctic poles where no other small aircraft have flown.

This will be his third trip around the world in an experimental aircraft. The prior trips were with a Kitfox Model IV in 1998, and then in an MCR-01 in 2001.

During the flight, Gordillo will make several stops, including Senegal, Brazil, Mexico, the US, Canada, and Scandinavia.

One of the most important stops will be to attend the SUN ‘n FUN Fly-in at Lakeland, Florida, from April 5-10, he noted. Michel will be on hand to display his aircraft and answer questions about the flight.