Ardenflight

Acknowledgements

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Matt Brooks and I want to personally thank several individuals and organizations regarding the World Flight. It would have been impossible for the crew to have completed the flight without the assistance of the following:

Universal Weather and Aviation Services.
In particular the outstanding professional service that the Red Team under Darryl Young supplied. Without their effort and continuous support, the trip would not have been completed. This was especially noted regarding the filing of the flight plans and the excellent weather formats that were supplied for each stop.

At each stop the crew made, a Universal Representative was there to assist. The coordination and attention to detail was excellent. Of particular note, the Macau, China and the Warsaw, Poland Universal Representatives, who went out of their way to ensure the crew was taken care of.

Garrett Aviation Services.
The aircraft was in outstanding working order and this can be attributed to the maintenance effort given by Garrett. The crew at the Garrett Islip, Long Island facility once again provided outstanding service and professional help when time was a factor. Bob Capellano, his crew chief Greg Wise, and the entire Islip Team can be commended. Additionally, Lane Clapsaddle of the Garrett Houston, Texas facility gave the crew personally, the added support that was required to get the aircraft where it needed to be and provided the time to have additional equipment installed.

Electronics / Garrett Aviation Services.
Electronics / Garrett Aviation Services of Columbus needs to be commended for their efforts in installing on a last minute basis the needed HF radio and satellite phone.

Williams International Engines.
Let me say, that without a doubt the FJ44-2A engines were flawless in their performance. There were times during the flight that I personally was at the edge of my aviation comfort level. In particular, during the two legs between Nome, Alaska and Petropavlovsk, Russia and Petropavlovsk, Russia and Khabarovsk, Russia. These legs were over areas where there were no available alternate fields to land. A loss of an engine would have placed the crew and aircraft in a severe situation (water or tundra landing). I personally monitored the engine performance during the trip and I must say, there was never any doubt the engines were dead on in all parameters. These are outstanding engines!!!

Reputation Partners.
I can't forget Marta Rhyner and Eileen Boyce for their assistance with the media.

It was a difficult flight and at times trying on the crew. The flight was mentally and physically grueling. However, the combination of professionalism and the outstanding support from the World Flight's support team brought home the bacon. The World Flight's success would simply not have been possible without this professionalism and the outstanding support.

Thanks to All,

Fred Lohden
Chief Pilot
Ardenbrook World Flight