Brian Melton
 

Just watched a programme on national geographic about brian melton attempting the atlantic crossing in a microlight in 2002 (i think). He failed on his first attempt, and i was just curious whether or not he (or anyone else for that matter) has made it across the atlantic non stop in a microlight. As it was said in the programme it was probably one of the last challenges left in aviation, and it seems like the man deserves it. Any comments??
Just a quick edit to the post. I only saw the last 20 mins or so of the programme, why did the canadian authorities (i assume transport canada) try to stop him??)

The Canadian authorities didn't like the non standard tank fitted to his machine. I watched the programme and although I give the man all credit for setting out on a great adventure I was suprised that its take off ability fully loaded seemed to come as something of a shock to him. Perhaps it was all in the editing of the film. I would also like to know if another attempt has been made yet.
What did you microlight pilots make of the whole thing ?

I think you'll find it's Milton.

I think that Transport Canada tried to stop him because he'd broken 19 articles of the Canadian ANO, his aircraft was overloaded to about 25% over MTOW, and he'd no search and rescue cover or insurance.

Or so I've heard :uhoh:


You've got to admire the man's spirit, but I can't help feeling that he'd do better occasionally to work with the relevant authorities than against them on these projects of his.

G

Brian Milton is certainly a forceful character, and I know several people who have not enjoyed every moment of their dealings with him, but then a high degree of single-mindedness is something of a pre-requisite for the kind of flights he attempts.

I suspect he'll be among the last to subscribe to the Health and Safety Executive's outlook on life, and I wouldn't criticise him for that.

I spent an evening with him and others at a microlight fly-in in Ireland last year and he was planning his next challenge then. It is going to be an attempt the fly across the States in less than 24 hours in a microlight, following Jimmy Doolittle's 1922 route.

There is, inevitably, a web site where you can find out more.

I am still not sure what to make of the attempt.

As has been said, he's intrepid enough and his determination is admirable. However, as is often the case in these matters, his disregard for his own safety could easily become his disregard for those that would be sent to rescue him.

We'll never know if it would have flown, given a long enough runway, but hiding at a disused airstrip which is too short, because your aircraft is not legal to use at a suitably sized one, is no way to start a cross Atlantic attempt.

We never did find out how he was going to stay awake for 40 hours either.