Lancair IV pilot Bill Harrelson launched on his attempt to beat Max Conrad’s epic westbound round-the-world record with a flight that restarted in Ontario, California, after mechanical difficulties forced his diversion from his first planned segments. Harrelson has landed safely back in Ontario, where the calculations will now take place to determine if he has succeeded, according to the official observers.
Lancair IV Pilot Completes Westbound Circumnavigation
Key Takeaways:
- Pilot Bill Harrelson successfully completed a westbound round-the-world flight in his Lancair IV, unofficially beating Max Conrad's 1961 speed record by over 19 hours.
- His journey, which officially restarted from Ontario, California, on December 8, 2019, after initial mechanical and radio issues, involved demanding multi-day solo flying and several exceptionally long flight segments.
- Harrelson's Lancair IV was modified with an efficient electronic ignition system and large 361-gallon fuel tanks, crucial for enabling the extensive distances covered on each leg.
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