Messages From The Crew(updated 8-22-96):

1 From the Bell 430 N430Q
Around-the-World '96 Speed Record Flight
In-Flight Report - August 22, 1996 - Day 6, Number 1
Well, we've done it again -- we are ahead of schedule. It looks like we'll be 2 hours early arriving at Alliance. You'll have to reschedule the receptions at Alliance Airport and Bell Helicopter -- just kidding -- we'll be good boys today. Due to weather concerns with thunderstorms predicted to be running across our path in the mid USA today, we decided last night to press on to Fargo, North Dakota rather than stay in Worthington, Minnesota as originally planned. We took off from Fargo at 7:55 AM CDST this morning after landing here at 1:00 AM last night. We wanted some schedule slack today to make sure we can deal with the weather and still make the Alliance Airport and Bell Helicopter stops on time. After today, the afterburners go back on. We asked Universal Weather to please open a clear path for us in the thunderstorm line (like Moses parting the Red Sea). They're working on it. In spite of our very late arrival, the local paper sent a reporter and photographer out to meet us in Worthington, Minnesota. The main question they asked was "Why Worthington?". I told them I thought it was the Worthington Hotel in Fort Worth.

(WebMaster's Note: The Worthington is a luxury hotel in downtown Fort Worth, Texas. Ron Bower and his wife Peggy often stay there when they come up from Austin to visit friends in Fort Worth.) By the way, we had good media coverage in Olathe, Kansas yesterday, as well. Estimate arrival in Sioux City, Iowa at 9:45 AM CDST, about one hour ahead of the original schedule that we worked up in June. We will press on to Wichita, and loiter north of Alliance Airport until the scheduled arrival time this afternoon. We plan a high speed, low pass at Alliance Airport and then circle back to land. Thanks for all the great support. John and I appreciate each of you. Adios for now. Ground speed (with a good tailwind) is 160 kts; altitude 5,600 feet; temperature 56° F; weather severe clear; pilots happy; aircraft wonderful. All is well. Glad you are there. Regards, Ron Bower and John Williams, Crew of the N430Q

2 From the Bell 430 N430Q
Around-the-World '96 Speed Record Flight
In-Flight Report - August 22, 1996 - Day 6, Number 2
Good to talk to you. 9 minute turn at Sioux City. ETA Wichita Airport is now 11:51 CDST. We are going to Yingling Aircraft for fuel. Tell Peter and Ed to bring the Cessna guys and meet us here. All is well. Glad you are there. Regards, Ron Bower and John Williams, Crew of the N430Q

Shortcuts
Around-The-World Home Page / Bower Helicopter Home Page / next page

Daily Flight Plans and Progress (by date)
8-17 / 8-18 / 8-19 / 8-20 / 8-21 / 8-22 / 8-23 / 8-24 / 8-25 / 8-26 / 8-27 / 8-28 / 8-29 / 8-30 / 8-31 / 9-1 / 9-2 / 9-3