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Carol Foy, left,
and CarolAnn Garratt will fly around the world in seven days
in hopes of raising $1 million for ALS research. |
For
most people, weeks fly by. But for CarolAnn Garratt and Carol Foy
one week in early December will literally do that. The two will fly
140 hours over 22 countries, making only seven short stops, in an
effort to set a new around-the-world record for single-engine
aircraft.
Garratt
and Foy know it isn’t going to be easy, but their research has
showed them it is possible. The two will get a taste of just how
difficult it will be, however, when they take part in a simulation,
spending 24 hours in their plane parked outside the Mooney Aircraft
Pilots Association tent on Knapp Street Road at EAA AirVenture
Oshkosh 2008.
The
two are determined, paying for the trip on their own and hoping to
raise $1 million for ALS research. The fatal neurodegenerative
disease, also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease, killed Garratt’s
mother. But Foy also has a connection to the disease, with a cousin
diagnosed with the disease. Already more than $116,000 has been
pledged.
The
simulation will go from 4 p.m. Wednesday to 4 p.m. Thursday, and
they’ll stay in the plane and be available to talk to passersby if
the windows or doors are open. And if the curtains are closed?
"We’ll be simulating IFR or potty training," Garratt
says, laughing.
If
they are to make only seven two-hour stops on their trip, it means
that they will have to eat, sleep and go to the bathroom on the
plane. "It comes down to being creative," said Foy, a past
winner of the Air Race Classic. They’ll mainly eat nutrition bars
and stay hydrated drinking water or sports drinks. They’ll take
turns sleeping in the seats, although they don’t recline much.
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| Dash
for the Cure |
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| A
world-record around-the-world attempt to raise awareness and
money for ALS - also known as' Lou Gehrig's Disease.' |
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How
to go to the bathroom creates the biggest problem, and it’s one
they are still working out. Foy said they’re looking at a relief
tube and a device that is anatomically correct. Or they may have to
use a Lady Jane like Garratt used in her earlier round-the-world
trip.
Garratt
has flown around the world in a Mooney before, and wrote about that
seven-month trip in a book, "Upon Silver Wings." The two
will also write a book documenting this trip and preparations.
Garratt
said she was actually planning for a three-year around-the-world
trip when she came up with the idea of the seven-day one. "I’m
taking care of my 85-year-old dad. I’d never be able to do it and
leave him for three yeas, but I could put him in assisted living for
seven days."
So
she started doing some research, figuring out the best way across
the Pacific, teamed up with Foy, and together the two refined the
route and logistics. Their planned route will take them from San
Diego, to Hawaii, Guam, Thailand, Oman, a stop in Africa, Cape
Verde, and to Orlando, Foy said. The longest leg will be 3,300
nautical miles from Cape Verde to Orlando.
Individuals, groups
and businesses can sponsor a mile of their trip for $10 or a stop
for $5,000. For more information or to donate, go to www.alsworldflight.com.
Donations are also being accepted at the MAPA and Mooney exhibits.
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