An around-the-world flight conducted by a Learjet 36A in April has been certified as a new world record by the National Aeronautic Association (NAA). The flight—which departed Wichita on April 3—was intended as a fundraiser to support the restoration and eventual return to flight of the first production Lear Jet (23-003) currently underway.
Carrying pilots Bart Gray, John Bone, Kirby Ezelle, and Joshua Podlich, as well as observer Joel Weber, the Global Jet Care-operated Lear 36A established a new westbound record in the C-1f category (land planes with a takeoff weight of 6,000 to 9,000 kilograms) of 341 mph, returning to Wichita in 67 hours after making 11 fuel stops. It is expected to be confirmed by the Fédération Aéronautique Internationale, the regulating body for aviation records.
The flight also commemorated the 100th anniversary of the first global aerial circumnavigation, conducted by a group of U.S. Army pilots flying modified Douglas DT-2 torpedo bombers, known as World Cruisers. The two surviving aircraft completed the 1924 flight in 175 days, covering more than 27,500 miles.