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Ardenflight

On May 12, 2004, three adventure-seeking pilots took to the skies in a specially-equipped Cessna 501 Citation I/SP, attempting to be the first to fly around the world in a retrofitted Cessna, as well as trying to break 20 other world records for speed, altitude and lift. Flown by Matt Brooks, Fred Lohden and Tim Weber, this was the lightest aircraft (12,500 lbs) ever to make this attempt, setting a new standard of performance for aircraft in this category.

In order to accomplish this feat, the aircraft had been retrofitted with Garrett Aviation's FJ44 Eagle IIÂ® package, giving it the extra power and fuel capacity it needed to complete this mission. The aircraft was modified with Williams International FJ44-2A fanjet engines which increased thrust power and efficiency, and the wings were modified to improve the plane's aerodynamics and increased fuel capacity. As a result of these modifications, the "World Flight" aircraft was able to climb faster, soar to higher altitudes, conserve fuel, and reach its scheduled destinations on time -- all on its way to setting a new record.

Critical flight and complex trip logistics were handled by Universal Weather and Aviation, Inc. This included all pre-planning logistics, such as overflight and landing permits, slot arrangements, and assistance in obtaining route approval from the National Aeronautic Association (NAA). They also provided, arranged and/or coordinated ground handling that includes UVglobal Network member locations, fueling through the UVair Fueling Card, weather briefings, flight status, flight plan changes, and record documentation with Air Traffic Controllers and the NAA.

"The Eagle II package improved the overall performance of the aircraft in all categories, but at a fraction of the cost of buying new," said Frank Klaus, President of Garrett Aviation Services. We were excited to partner with Williams and Universal to ensure Matt, Fred and Tim's around-the-world trip is successful."

"World Flight" began and ended in Teterboro, N.J., and made 18 global stops along the way. The pilots left at 6:00 a.m., and completed their by mission on May 17. Each pilot alternated flying the aircraft on legs ranging between two to five hours (with ground time) during the five-day flight. The entire flight covered 22,860 nautical miles, the distance required by NAA and FÃ©dÃ©ration AÃ©ronautique Internationale (FAI) to be certified as national and world records respectively (see attached flight plan for estimated departure times).

The seasoned flight crew, all California natives, had 90 years of combined flying experience, accumulated through a variety of civilian, military and commercial flying adventures:

- Matt Brooks, 55, has been flying since he was 13 years old. He is an attorney by training, and currently is President and CEO of a real estate investment company. Matt lives in San Francisco.

- Fred Lohden, 65, has been flying since 1966 in a number of aviation careers, including as a Naval Officer and Senior Captain for United Airlines. He is currently an aviation analyst for NASA and the chief pilot for a California real estate investment company. Fred lives in Oakland, Calif.

- Tim Weber, 35, has been flying since the age of 20. He became a commercial airline pilot for Atlantic Coast Airlines in 1996, and was hired by Delta Airlines in 2001. He currently works for NASA as an aviation analyst. Tim lives in San Ramon, Calif.

"Thanks to Garrett Aviation, Williams International and Universal Weather and Aviation, we are embarking on an adventure of a lifetime," said Brooks prior to take off. "Who could have imagined that a 500 series Cessna would be capable of such an accomplishment? It's certainly a testament to the technical expertise and skill of our sponsors," he added.

Global Stops

Williams Lake, Canada

Juneau, Alaska

Nome, Alaska

Petropavlovsk, Russia

Khabarovsk, Russia

Osaka, Japan

Taipei, Taiwan