World Record Attempt 2014

NewsflashRecordIt is the third year and third attempt to set this elusive point-to-point transcontinential world record.  In 2012 the team came within 91 miles of the final destination and weather forced them to scrap the flight (read more).  In 2013, the weather simply did not provide an opportunity but the team was on full alert throughout the summer.  This year, it's looking very promisting.  

On Thursday June 5th, 2014, Michael Combs (pilot) and Daniel Routh (flight assistant) will set out to fly Hope One from Coast to Coast from California to South Carolina. 

Here is some more detailed information.

  • The aircraft is a REMOS GX Light Sport AircraftDaniel and Mike
  • Engine:  Rotax 912 (100 hp)
  • Number of Seats:  Two
  • Aircraft Construction:  Carbon Fiber
  • Weight of Aircraft:  Maximum of 1,320 lbs
  • Average Cruise Speed:  100 kts overall
  • Anticipated Altitude Cruise Speed:  110 kts
  • Average Cruise Altitude:  9,500 (higher over the Continental Divide)
  • Straight Line Distance of Flight:  1,954 nautical miles
  • Actual Calculated Flight Distance:  2,030 nautical miles
  • Number of Stops:  Eight
  • Pilot:  Michael Combs
  • Flight Assistant:  Daniel Routh
  • Mission Control:  Steve Combs Scheduled Take-off date:  June 5, 2014
  • Scheduled Landing Date:  June 6, 2014

Note:  Due to unpredictable weather patterns, the scheduled flight dates are subject to change.  For the latest information, please follow the flight here or on Twitter: #flighths

Q.  Why is this flight unique? This flight is sanctioned as a National and World Aviation Record.  It is flown in an unmodified Light Sport Aircraft under the restrictions of the Sport Pilot's License.  Specifically the flight must not extend beyond civil dusk nor begin prior to civil dawn.  The maximum time to make the world record is determined by dividing the total straight line flight distance by the slowest flap speed that the aircraft is rated at.  The challenge is to overcome the speed restriction while adhering to the limitations of the Sport Pilot's Certificate which does not permit the team to fly at night (however, all those hours count against them.)

Q.  Why is the greatest threat?  The greatest obstacle is two days of flyable weather from coast to coast.  This is a flight that will prove to be challenging in many obvious ways.

Q.  Why are you doing this?  The message behind The Flight for the Human Spirit is to encourage fifty million people around the world to never, EVER give up on their dreams.  One of the original goals of The Flight was to set a coast to coast world record to demonstrate the possibilities of Light Sport Aircraft as well as the Sport Pilot's License.  We are celebrating the greatness that resides in every man and highlighting this individual potential through the world of aviation.

Route Plan

  • Take Off: 
    The flight will take off from KONT - Ontario International Airport in Ontario, CA.  The airport was selected inland and at a somewhat higher altitude to avoid morning fog which delayed the flight take off in 2012.
  • Fuel Stop #1:
    • KCHD - Chandler, AZ is located south of the Phoenix area.  It was selected in order to avoid flying into and through the busy Phoenix airspace.  This airport has the support of Chandler Air Service.
    • Flight Distance of Leg #1:  approx. 337 miles
  • Fuel Stop #2: 
    • KELP -- El Paso, TX is located very near the border.  The FBO is Cutter Aviation.
    • Flight Distance of Leg #2: approx. 332 miles
  • Fuel Stop #3:
    • KMAF -- Midland, TX.  FBO is Avion Flight Centre.  In 2012 they had one of the fastest "NASCAR" type stops on the entire journey.
    • Flight Distance of Leg #3: approx. 246 miles
  • Fuel Stop #4:
    • KDTO - Denton Municipal Airport is the fourth fuel stop and is the home base of The Flight for the Human Spirit.  Our calculations are anticipating this to be the final stop for Flight Day #1 and will provide the perfect opportunity for any servicing to Hope One that may be necessary.  The crew will be pretty wiped out after enduring the heat over Arizona and Texas.  The supporting FBO will be US Aviation.
    • Flight Distance of Leg #4:  approx. 305 miles
  • Fuel Stop #5
    • KGLH - Mid Delta Regional Airport is the fifth fuel stop and is located in the Greenville, MS area.  This will be the longest flight leg of the journey and is being welcomed by a very friendly airport management team.  The support FBO is Greenville Air Services.  They had the fastest turn around time in 2012.
    • Flight Distance of Leg #5:  approx. 359 miles
  • Fuel Stop #6
    • KLGC - Lagrange-Callaway Airport in Lagrange, GA is the sixth fuel stop and is anticipated to be routine and quick. 
    • Flight Distance of Leg #6:  approx 344 miles
  • Fuel Stop #7 and Final Destination
    • KCHS - Charleston AFB/ International Airport in Charleston, South Carolina is the seventh fuel stop whose flight leg will pass directly south of the busy Atlanta, GA air space.  It is scheduled to be a direct route.  The supporting FBO will be Landmark Aviation.
    • Flight Distance of Leg #7:  approx 292 miles

If you are interested in participating in this flight you are certainly welcome to come to the listed airports and take photos and meet with Michael and Daniel.  Autographed postcards will be available while the limited supplies last.  Bear in mind that these will be quick stops so there will not be much time spent on the ground.  You will be able to determine the location of Hope One by following the live satellite tracking and the estimates provided by our Mission Control team.

How to Follow

  1. To follow the flight online, the best place will be the page you are on right now.  This website will have live satellite tracking with updates every two minutes.  Also any of the posts from Facebook and Twitter will be compiled on this site.
  2. Radio communications can be heard in some cities by monitoring http://LiveATC.net   We will be using the services of Regional and Approach Traffic Controllers so search by general geographic areas if you can't find the particular airport.
  3. Other tracking sites such as Flight Aware will be able to show the latest data as well. The tail number for Hope One is:  N82GX

Fans of The Flight for the Human Spirit have been able to spot Hope One flying overhead while it has been in flight from one airport to another.  If you are looking to spot Hope One when it is flying at 9,500 ft, be sure to use your binoculars.

For more information email us at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.