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February 5, 2010 — Chet and Matt Pipkin, a father-son duo from Idaho, are telling others it’s time to start living.
But more than just talking, the two are serving as role models as they work toward their next goal - to fly 65 days nonstop in a modified Cessna 172, and in doing so, break the current flight endurance record of 64 days, 22 hours, 19 minutes and 5 minutes set in the 1950s.
“We are going to attempt to endure at least 65 days of non-stop flight in a tiny little airplane for the sake of giving back and inspiring you to join us in doing [seemingly] ridiculous things to live a great life NOW, pursue your passions, and make a difference in the lives of those around you!” they wrote in their blog. “If we can do it, you can do it! You can’t wait for that ‘perfect time’ to do it – it’ll never arrive (ours hasn’t shown up yet either). It’s time to start living!”
They admit, however, the idea of flying and living in a small plane for more than two months took some time to get used to. They wrote on their blog: “Did one of us wake up one morning thinking, “Gosh, I’d sure love to live in a tiny little airplane that sounds like a blender and never land once in 65 days to stretch my legs”? Nope. In fact, the idea was first presented to Matt by his brother-in-law, Billy. Matt thought it was the dumbest idea he had ever heard – that is, until it dawned on them both that although it might be quite miserable, it could create a huge opportunity to contribute to some great causes …”
According to their blog, they decided to try to break the record because they wanted to make a difference. “We want to raise money for great causes that benefit children/youth in need as well as give young people an opportunity to be a pilot, even if just for one day,” they wrote. They are challenging their followers to also do something they are passionate about during the 65 days they are in flight, and to make a difference each day in someone’s life.
The Pipkins plan to depart in October 2010 from Boise, Idaho.
The Hacienda Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas sponsored the Dec. 4, 1958 to Feb. 7, 1959 flight that still holds the record. Robert Timm and John Cook piloted their four-seat Cessna 172 and flew a distance comparable to six times around the world.
The Pipkins also plan to refuel via low-level flyby, transferring fuel from a truck. Timm and Cook managed that over long straight flat roads in the Mojave desert until their plane's engine had deteriorated to the point where they could no longer climb away. But the Pipkins plan to modify their engine with plumbing to allow for in-flight oil changes. As for their own essential fluids and waste, that too will be passed between the ground vehicle and aircraft.
"This project is ridiculous," the men admit. "In fact, that is why we love it."
You can keep on top of their progress while in flight through their blog or other social media. To get their tweets, click here. To become a fan on Facebook, click here.
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Robert Timm and John Cook still hold the record for flight endurance. They flew a Cessna 172 nonstop for 64 days, 22 hours, 19 minutes and 5 seconds in 1958-59.
Photo credit: 65 Days Blog
Chet Pipkin and his wife, Suzi. Pipkin. Chet and his son, Matt, below, will try to break the flight endurance record beginning in October 2010. Photo credit: 65 Days Blog
Matt Pipkin smiles for the camera. Photo credit: 65 Days Blog.
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