 |
| The Solar Impulse prototype aircraft. Photo: Stephanie Booth (flickr) |
[Avionics Today 09-02-2014] The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) announced it has officially concluded an agreement to serve as an institutional and aeronautical partner for the Solar Impulse 2015 around-the-world flight, which aims to fly a solar-powered prototype aircraft around the globe.
The Solar Impulse around-the-world series of solar-powered flights are set to take place over a five-month period from March to July 2015. A host city is currently being identified in the Gulf region, which will serve as the departing and final landing destination. In order to effectuate pilot transfers, stopovers during its Northern Hemisphere flight will be scheduled in India, Myanmar, China, the United States and either Southern Europe or Northern Africa.
“This is an extraordinary challenge and ICAO’s support will be instrumental in helping us obtain the over-flight authorizations, take-off and landing permits and other certifications which may be needed from its member states,” said Solar Impulse Co-founder, CEO and Pilot, André Borschberg.