Has anyone ever flown around the world without stopping?

The Voyager: A Journey Around the World Without Stopping

In the annals of aviation history, the Rutan Model 76 Voyager holds a unique place as the first aircraft to circumnavigate the globe without stopping or refueling. This remarkable flight, piloted by Jeana Yeager and Dick Rutan in 1986, was a testament to human ingenuity and endurance.

The Voyager’s design was revolutionary for its time. Constructed primarily of carbon fiber and Kevlar, the aircraft weighed a mere 2,100 pounds and featured an extremely efficient aerodynamic shape. Its long, slender wings and sleek fuselage minimized drag, allowing it to travel great distances on a single tank of fuel.

The flight plan for the Voyager’s circumnavigation was carefully calculated. The aircraft would fly at a relatively low altitude, around 10,000 feet, to take advantage of the Earth’s curvature. This would reduce the distance required to travel around the world compared to flying at a higher altitude.

Yeager and Rutan took off from Edwards Air Force Base in California on December 14, 1986. They flew eastbound, crossing the Pacific Ocean, Asia, Europe, and Africa. Along the way, they encountered a variety of challenges, including storms, turbulence, and mechanical issues.

After nearly nine days in the air, the Voyager touched down at the same airbase from which it had departed. The aircraft had traveled a total distance of 24,986 miles, setting a world record that has yet to be broken.

The Voyager’s flight was a groundbreaking achievement in aviation. It demonstrated the feasibility of long-distance, nonstop air travel and paved the way for future advancements in aircraft design and technology. Today, the Voyager is housed at the National Air and Space Museum in Washington, D.C., where it stands as a testament to the human spirit of exploration and the power of innovation.