Didn't take the tall poppy syndrome to come out.
Here we have a kid who, when most of his peers are getting pissed every other night on a backpacking tour of Europe, is getting out there and doing something pretty cool.
I'm not aware that he has made it out to be a huge risk, unprecedented or that he is a pioneer in any way - besides his age.
Why wouldn't we support him, even if the aircraft is IFR capable, autopilot and 170kts? So what? What would you say if he had no GPS, autopilot etc? You'd be bleating about how irresponsible he was.
That the spirit of adventure is alive in this is fantastic. And nice to have Dick's support too. Many years ago I was the recipient of a few grand from one of Dick's former companies to pursue an adventurous (non aviation) dream. It is certainly a good driver to have such support.
There should be more of this adventure. Good luck Ryan, and a circumnavigation is a great achievement at any age, let alone yours.
Last edited by compressor stall; 3rd Jul 2013 at 00:37.