The propeller-driven aircraft – part of the fleet of the US Air Force’s 43rd Bombardment Group – was an updated version of the B-29 which had been flown in World War II. Since the 1920s, long distance transatlantic flights had become relatively frequent, and the challenge of aerial circumnavigation was successfully completed a handful of times in the 1930s, but with the aircraft needing to land to refuel. Lucky Lady II flight map showing mid-air refuel locations The first non-stop aerial circumnavigation The flight was conducted in secret. Even the families of the crew were unaware of the danger that their loved ones were facing, attempting a circumnavigation with a total of eight inflight refuels at four locations. The mission: to fly non-stop around the earth (from Carswell Air Force Base, Fort Worth, Texas from 26th February to 2nd March 1949) demonstrating that a US bomber could reach anywhere in the world. It was time for the Lucky Lady II to step into the limelight. The aircraft – a Boeing B-50A Superfortress – was originally a backup option for the B50 Global Queen, which had been selected to make the circumnavigation on 25th February 1949 but had aborted due to an engine fire. The Lucky Lady II was never meant to fly around the world. Voting Guidelines and Meeting Administration.FAI Medico-Physiological Commission (CIMP).FAI Microlight and Paramotor Commission (CIMA).FAI Hang Gliding and Paragliding Commission (CIVL).
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