PIB Alumnus Attempting To Set World Record for Fastest Journey Across U.S. by Plane
Aaron Wilson, Put-in-Bay High School Class of 1999, and Barry Behnfeldt will depart on June 4th from Andrews University Airpark in Berrien Springs, Michigan, in Behnfeldt’s 1980 Piper Saratoga six-seat airplane to attempt to set the world record for the fastest journey by plane through all 48 contiguous United States in less than 48 hours. They are calling their journey 48N48.
Both pilots attended Bowling Green State University – Wilson Class of 2004 and Behnfeldt Class of 1983. The duo hopes this world-record attempt will help inspire the next generation of pilots as the U.S. continues to experience pilot shortages.
Behnfeldt and Wilson have more than 70 years of combined military and commercial flying experience, and they estimate the 5,008-mile flight will take just under 40 hours barring any unforeseen mechanical issues or inclement weather conditions.
The calculation accounts for stops at each airport, where they must get signatures to certify their presence as required by Guinness World Records. They will have five fuel stops they expect to take about 20 minutes each.
Behnfeldt reached out to Wilson, a fellow veteran and fellow Delta Air Lines pilot to see if he was interested in joining him on the record-setting journey. Aaron said he was immediately sold on the idea and didn’t have any hesitation about saying yes.
The entire flight will be viewable through FlightAware, the world’s largest flight-tracking platform.
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