Aviation

André Borschberg to Fly 1st Leg of Solar Impulse 2 #RTW (Video)

Amber Archangel

Published

March 5, 2015

Originally published on 1Sun4All.

The Solar Impulse Team announced this morning via Twitter:

NEWS FLASH: @andreborschberg will do the #RTW departure & @bertrandpiccard the arrival! #AbuDhabi pic.twitter.com/ySZEndupcY

— SOLAR IMPULSE (@solarimpulse) March 5, 2015

Bertrand Piccard said via his Twitter account: “Andre Borschberg & I will each fly over an ocean – he will do the mythical Atlantic and I the Pacific.” Bertrand continued:

If today was so emotional for @andreborschberg, the @solarimpulse team & me, I cannot imagine how launch day will be pic.twitter.com/RoXFV9dFWW

— Bertrand PICCARD (@bertrandpiccard) March 5, 2015

The first leg of the RTW solar flight will depart Abu Dhabi for Muscat (Muscat International Airport, MCT/OOMS) in the Sultanate of Oman. Andre Borschberg will fly Solar Impulse 2 (Si2) for an estimated time of 12 hours and a distance of about 400km (215NM and 248.5 miles).

We are now D-4! to the RTW — 35,000 kilometers (21,748 miles), 25 flight days, & 12 legs on solar power only, from AbuDhabi to AbuDhabi!

Andre Borschberg added via Twitter: “With Bertrand Piccard, I am realizing the dream of my childhood: sustainable flight. With Bertrand Piccard, it was like two puzzle pieces with a perfect fit finding each other for Solar Impulse.”

Bertrand Piccard continued via his Twitter account: “Andre Borschberg has been working on #Si2 for so long; it is more than natural that he takes the first step for the RTW.”

Bertrand Piccard added via his Twitter account: “Solar Impulse would never exist if I had not met Andre Borschberg.”

Not to be missed: @7a8 March 8 for in-depth story about Solar Impulse, w/Bertrand Piccard & Andre Borschberg! @TF1

FYI: You may want to get your badge for the RTW and gear up at the very cool Solar Impulse Online Store. By proudly wearing the colors of this revolutionary solar aircraft, you will show that you share the vision of Si2 in the power of clean technologies to create a better future!

The Solar Impulse Team along with the Catching Crew have a couple days to relax. You can check out what they’re up to at Solar Team.

Video Credit: SOLAR IMPULSE | Image via Si2 Twitter | Photo Credit: 2015/02/08 Second Ground Test Solar Impulse 2, Stefatou 14 via Solar Impulse

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In this article:Abu Dhabi, Airplanes, André Borschberg, around the world, bertrand piccard, Muscat, oman, pilot, round-the-world, RTW, Si2, solar energy, solar flight, solar impulse, Solar Impulse 2, video

Written By Amber Archangel

-- I am an artist, painter, writer, interior designer, graphic designer, and constant student of many studies. Living with respect for the environment close at hand, the food chain, natural remedies for healing the earth, people and animals is a life-long expression and commitment. As half of a home-building team, I helped design and build harmonious, sustainable and net-zero homes that incorporate clean air systems, passive and active solar energy as well as rainwater collection systems. Private aviation stirs a special appeal, I would love to fly in the solar airplane and install a wind turbine in my yard. I am a peace-loving, courageous soul, and I am passionate about contributing to the clean energy revolution. I formerly designed and managed a clean energy website, 1Sun4All.com.