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An around-the-world flight conducted by a Learjet 36A in April has been recognized as a new world record by the National Aeronautic Association (NAA). The journey, which began in Wichita on April 3, aimed to raise funds for the restoration and eventual return to flight of the first production Lear Jet (23-003).
The aircraft, operated by Global Jet Care, carried pilots Bart Gray, John Bone, Kirby Ezelle, Joshua Podlich, and observer Joel Weber. It set a new westbound record in the C-1f category for land planes with a takeoff weight of 6,000 to 9,000 kilograms. The jet achieved an average speed of 341 mph and returned to Wichita after completing the trip in 67 hours with 11 fuel stops. This achievement is expected to be confirmed by the Fédération Aéronautique Internationale, which oversees aviation records.
This flight also marked the centennial anniversary of the first global aerial circumnavigation performed by U.S. Army pilots using modified Douglas DT-2 torpedo bombers known as World Cruisers. In that historic journey completed in 1924, two surviving aircraft covered more than 27,500 miles over 175 days.
