Aviator/Adventurer to Make Final Attempt at Historic Solo Pole to Pole Flight

Gustavous 'Gus' McLeod of Gaithersburg, MD, holder of several aviation world records including a successful year 2000 flight to the North Pole in 1939 PT-17 open-cockpit Stearman, is set to circumnavigate the globe, pole to pole, beginning Sunday, October 2, 2005. Gus's other claim-to-fame is an appearance with daughter Hera as contestants in CBS Televisions 'The Amazing Race' Season Six.

Gaithersburg, MD (PRWEB) October 1, 2005 -- Gustavus Gus" McLeod is making final preparations and modifications to the Firefly" the South Korean experimental aircraft, en route to his next attempt at another solo aviation world record, circumnavigating the globe, flying around the world Pole to Pole.

The 'Firefly' has passed every test to date with 'flying colors,' said McLeod in a recent interview. I've taken it to 27,000 feet and to speeds of 220 knots, (275 mph) amazing for a plane this size. After several mishaps, I didn't get to finish the trip last year. I can honestly tell you, this will be my last attempt at this or any other aviation record," added McLeod.

Gus is spending the few remaining days prior to his scheduled Sunday, October 2, 2005 departure, (weather permitting), with the aircraft's designer Dr. Seong going over every structural and mechanical part of the aircraft. This week's modifications included adding a turbo-charger needed to help the engine get oxygen at high altitude. Gus also installed four additional fuel tanks capable of holding an additional 200 gallons of fuel. With a total of 300 gallons, takeoff weight for the Firefly" will be in excess of 4000 lbs.

The success of the flight is crucial to South Korea's planned entry into the 'personal aircraft' and unmanned search and rescue market worldwide," said Steven Rosenberg, SM Rosenberg & Associates, President. During the trip, McLeod will encounter temperature variances of more than 230 degrees Fahrenheit in the plastic/composite aircraft. If Gus makes it, the South Koreans can claim their aircraft can operate in any season in any of the world's temperatures. There are few aircraft built today with that capability," added Rosenberg.

After taking off from the Gaithersburg Airpark, Gaithersburg, Maryland, Gus will be making planned stops in Churchill, Manitoba, Resolute, Nunavut, North Pole and Point Barrow, AK, USA., during the first days of the flight. A complete itinerary is available upon request.

We are expecting quite a large turnout for the event," said Edward Park, publicist at SMRosenberg & Associates. Gus is now available for limited interviews prior to his departure on Sunday," added Park.    

Gus's year 2000 journey to the North Pole in 1939 PT-17 open-cockpit Stearman, was chronicled by National Geographic Explorer and was watched by millions worldwide. To date, Gus is the only man to successfully reach the North Pole in an open-cockpit aircraft. Gus and daughter Hera appeared as contestants in CBS Television's The Amazing Race" Season Six.

For more information on the record-setting adventure or to schedule an interview, please contact Steve Rosenberg or Edward Park at (703) 658.1303.
                    
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