Fly to Inspire
Departing on Sunday, April 10, 2016, from his home airport in Manassas, Virginia, Adrian Eichhorn is embarking on a six-week journey to become, according to earthrounders.com, the world’s 121st pilot to fly solo around the world. But for Eichhorn, this trip isn’t about getting his name in any record books.
“I hope I can inspire people, who want to get into aviation, to take that first step,” said Eichhorn.
A decorated pilot, instructor and A&P, Eichhorn rebuilt and reconfigured a 1962 V-tail Beechcraft Bonanza for a trip that includes:
- 5 continents
- 21 countries
- 3,150 gallons of fuel (estimated)
- 25,000 miles
- 225 flight hours (nearly 20 of those will be on one leg from Pago Pago to Hawaii)
While Eichhorn hopes to inspire others, he may be tapping into a little inspiration he received from aviation legend Burt Rutan. “I cornered him after a presentation to get an autograph,” Eichhorn explained. After giving Eichhorn a “perfect” sketch of the Voyager, Rutan wrote, “Adventure is the essence of life.”