BELFAST, Maine (NEWS CENTER) -- A small yellow aircraft flew through Maine this month on it's way around the world. A trip that Norman Surplus is making in hopes of setting a new world record.
Surplus is flying an aircraft called an autogyro that's part helicopter, part plan. They were popular in the 1930's and was the first aircraft to land on the White House lawn, but there has never been a pilot circumnavigate the globe in one. Which is what Surplus set out to do five years ago.
"It's a bit like flying was in the 1920's and 30's," said Surplus. "That sort of barnstorming type idea and you're out in the open air and it's a really nice way to look at the scenery"
Someone is usually waiting at every hangar that the pilot from Belfast, Ireland stops at. Including the hangar in Belfast, Maine where several questions were asked about the plane and how it operates. Then the conversation normally goes to the pilot where they learn about his diagnoses of Bowel Cancer in 2003.
"The prognoses at the beginning was very poor. I was given 40% chance to live 18 months only and you think that's not even half a chance," said Surplus.
It was from his hospital bed that Norman was inspired to circumnavigate the globe in an autogyro after watching a television show about the aircraft that tops out at about 100 mph. He went for his pilot license after surviving his bleak prognosis with just one thing left to do. Suit up, find himself an autogyro and prepare for the first flight around the world in one.
"It's a nice way to fly," said Surplus.
You can keep track of Surplus and his progress around the world by visiting his website.
