Wings Across America 2008

Lore & Background

Wings Across America 2008 was conceived by Frank Geisler of Gloucester, Virginia, an avid RC pilot, USAF veteran, and AMA contest director. After discussing the idea with friends, he used internet RC forums and emailed AMA chartered clubs to recruit volunteers. Within five weeks, 230 pilots from all 48 continental states had joined. The plane was never shipped by mail; pilots personally handed it off to the next pilot, forming a chain across the country. The aircraft used was a SQuiRT (Simple, Quiet, Robust, Trainer) park flyer donated by Bill Stevens of Stevens AeroModels. Horizon Hobby donated a radio control system. All equipment was donated by participating pilots. The project ended at its home field in eastern Virginia 5 years, 145 days, 21 hours, and 50 minutes after its first flight. Over 340 pilots registered, and 248 AMA chartered clubs hosted the adventure.

Reader's Guide

The significance of Wings Across America 2008 lies in its unique method of hand-delivery and its scale. Unlike previous attempts, the plane was never shipped, creating a personal chain of pilots across the continent. The project logged 26,587 miles, visited 48 states, and involved 812 pilots and 230 AMA chartered clubs. It was flown in extreme conditions, from 0°F in Butte, Montana, to 107°F in Valley Mills, Texas, and at altitudes up to 8,500 feet in Dillon, Colorado. The youngest pilot was 6, the oldest 97. The project generated over 12,000 emails and 4,500 forum posts. Its legacy is preserved at the National Model Aviation Museum, which holds the pilot log book and a display. The event was covered by 33 online news stories, 30 local papers, six national magazines, and six local TV broadcasts. The SQuiRT plane itself completed over 215 flights on its first motor before replacement.

Did You Know?

• The SQuiRT plane was flown in temperatures ranging from 0°F to 107°F.
• The oldest pilot to fly the plane was Bill Baily, aged 97.
• The youngest male pilot was Evan Holman, aged 6.
• The plane traveled 26,587 miles over 5 years, 145 days, 21 hours, and 50 minutes.