Mike and James Complete Around-the-World Journey

August 27, 2009 — South Africans Mike Blyth and James Pitman arrived home safely at Springs Airfield, Johannesburg, South Africa, on Thursday to complete their incredible around the world flight in a light-sport aircraft. The journey took 39 days (July 18-August 27), with visits to 13 countries, covering approximately 45,150km (just over 28,000 miles). They made the flight in their production prototype Sling, a specially modified LSA designed and built at their company, The Airplane Factory.

The trip’s major highlight was their visit to EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2009, where the two pilots arrived to a hero’s welcome on July 29. They spent the next six days with their airplane meeting and greeting attendees at AeroShell Square, plus conducted a special forum presentation before continuing their westward journey.