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Mack Rutherford is a 17-year-old student who made headlines in 2016 when he became the youngest person to fly solo worldwide in a single-engine aeroplane. This took him nearly five months to complete, and he did it without prior flying experience.
Key Takeaways
- Mack Rutherford from Australia breaks the record for youngest solo flying
- Mack is a 17-year-old student who went viral for his achievements back in 2016
- It took him nearly 5 months to complete through all decided countries and continents
- Moreover, this was done without any flying experience
History about Rutherford
Rutherford’s journey began in his hometown of Perth, Australia, and took him to more than 30 countries on six continents. He faced many challenges along the way, including bad weather, mechanical issues, and language barriers. But he persevered and ultimately accomplished his goal of circumnavigating the globe.
Rutherford’s historic flight was the culmination of years of dreaming and planning. He first became interested in flying when he was just a child and began taking flying lessons when he was 16. He saved money for his aeroplane and spent countless hours studying maps and learning about different countries and cultures.
When he finally took off on his round-the-world trip, Rutherford had no idea if he would succeed. But he was determined to give it his best shot, and in the end, he made history. His remarkable story inspires anyone who has ever dreamed of doing something great.
Rutherford’s journey was not without its challenges. He also had to contend with language barriers and cultural differences in dealing with bad weather and mechanical issues. But he was always able to find a way to overcome these obstacles, and in the end, he accomplished his goal of flying solo around the world.
Role of Rutherford’s Family and Upbringing
Mack Rutherford comes from a family of aviation enthusiasts. His father is a pilot, and his sister is a flight attendant. Growing up, Rutherford was always interested in planes and flying. But it wasn’t until he was 16 that he took his first flying lesson.
Rutherford’s sister, who is two years older, also supported his around-the-world flight. She helped him with the logistics and even accompanied him on part of the journey.
Rutherford’s family was with him in spirit throughout his five-month trip. His father tracked his progress online, and his mother sent him encouraging text messages. In the end, Rutherford’s successful circumnavigation was a family affair.
Countries and Continents Visited by Mack Rutherford
Mack Rutherford visited more than 30 countries on six continents during his five-month journey around the world.
Rutherford’s journey began in his hometown of Perth, Australia. From there, he flew to New Zealand, Fiji, and the United States. He then continued to Europe, making stops in England, France, Spain, and Portugal.
From Europe, Rutherford flew to Africa, making stops in Senegal, Ghana, and South Africa. He then continued to Asia, stopping in India, Thailand, Malaysia, and Indonesia.
Finally, Rutherford returned to Australia, completing his journey where it had started.
Rutherford's SR22 Plane
The plane Mack Rutherford used for his around-the-world flight was a single-engine Cirrus SR22. It is a small, lightweight aircraft that is popular among private pilots.
The SR22 is known for its safety features, including a parachute that can be deployed in an emergency. This was a key factor in Rutherford’s decision to use the plane for his record-setting flight, as it gave him a greater margin of error.
The plane was also equipped with a state-of-the-art navigation system, which was crucial for Rutherford as he flew over unfamiliar territory.
The plane has a maximum range of 1,500 miles and a top speed of 235 miles per hour. It is powered by a Continental IO-550 engine and can take off and land on short airstrips.
Overall, the Cirrus SR22 proved a reliable and capable aircraft and helped make Mack Rutherford’s dream of flying solo around the world a reality.
Modification Made by Rutherford
Mack Rutherford made several modifications to his plane before his solo flight worldwide.
First, he installed extra fuel tanks to give him the range he would need to make the long journey. He also added an extra seat to take turns resting and flying. And he equipped the plane with a satellite tracking system so that his family and friends could follow his progress.
Rutherford also stocks his plane with plenty of food and water, a first-aid kit, and other supplies. He also carried a laptop and a mobile phone, which he used to stay in touch with his family and friends during his journey.
Finally, Rutherford took several flying lessons to prepare for his trip. He also logged hundreds of hours of flight time in a simulator, which helped him to become familiar with the plane and the challenges he might face during his flight.
Challenges Faced by Rutherford
Mack Rutherford faced many challenges during his five-month journey around the world. These included bad weather, mechanical issues, and language barriers.
Rutherford faced his first challenge shortly after taking off from Perth when he was forced to turn back due to bad weather. He then had to contend with several mechanical issues, including a broken altimeter and a fuel leak.
Language barriers also proved challenging, as Rutherford had to communicate with air traffic controllers in many countries. But he overcame these challenges and ultimately accomplished his goal of circumnavigating the globe.
Today, Rutherford is a college student in Australia and is still passionate about flying. Rutherford’s historic flight inspires people of all ages and proves that anything is possible if you set your mind to it. He hopes that his story will encourage others to follow their dreams, no matter how impossible they may seem.
