FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Pilot Embarks on Earhart 80th Anniversary Flight
Brian Lloyd Solo Flight Follows Historic Amelia Earhart Route

Miami, Florida, USA, June 1, 2017 - As pilot Brian Lloyd propels his single-engine plane named "Spirit" into the sky on a solo round-the-world adventure, he commemorates Amelia Earhart's famous flight eighty years ago on this date in 1937. The two month flight will follow Earhart's historic route to circumnavigate the world at the equator, which starts in Miami, skirts South America, crosses the Atlantic, then Africa, and onward around the world.

Prior to departure from his home airstrip in Texas, Brian Lloyd said, "I am driven by the spirit of historic flights. It is important to remember the aviation pioneers like Amelia Earhart, and their contributions to aviation. Their bold actions made today's air travel possible for all of us." 

"My father taught me to fly when I was 14 years old. Aviation is in my family, both of my sons are pilots." Mr. Lloyd said.

He is actively communicating while in the air. The public can track his flight on the web, social media, as well as Ham radio.

"I've been a ham radio operator since 1976 and enjoy radio communications very much. The flight route has some very long legs, so I will have plenty of opportunities to talk with ham operators while flying over the world's oceans," Brian said. 

Commercial airliners fly long distances every day, but non-stop ocean flights are quite difficult for small propeller planes, which have limited range. To make it possible, Brian Lloyd modified his 1979 Mooney airplane to carry 150 gallons more fuel, then equipped it with modern navigation equipment, long range radio, and satellite communications. Still, the flight is not without risk, and special safety gear must be taken along. The public can track his flight on the web, social media, as well as Ham radio. 

About: Brian Lloyd, 62, is a pilot, flight instructor, engineer, educator, and radio operator.  He lives near San Antonio, Texas, USA. The commemorative flights are co-sponsored by The Classic Aircraft Aviation Museum, a non-profit in Texas, and many other individuals who contribute to supporting the flights through donations.

Amelia Earhart website: http://projectameliaearhart.org
Press Kit: http://projectameliaearhart.org/press
Press Contact: Amy Hartmel, Media Coordinator.  
ENDS 
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