Army pilot's gyroplane record bid

WO Jones will fly more than 25,000 miles at average speeds of 80mph

A British Army helicopter pilot has begun a bid to become the first person to fly around the world in a gyroplane.

Warrant Officer Barry Jones, 37, aims to set a world record by flying more than 25,000 miles across 25 countries in three and a half months.

WO Jones, based at Dishforth, North Yorkshire, took off from Hampshire on Monday.

Six army Helicopters flew alongside him in salute of his record bid. He hopes to return by July.

His left from the Museum of Army Flying, in Middle Wallop near Stockbridge, in his craft Global Eagle and hopes to be back in time for the summer's Music in the Air show.

The father of three entered the record books in February last year when he flew 579 miles across the UK in seven hours and 23 minutes.

I'm going to get to see things few people get to see and also make a bit of aviation history Barry Jones

A gyroplane generates lift with rotors, but unlike a helicopter, generates the thrust needed to move forward with an engine-powered propeller.

The world record attempt was originally due to take place last year but was postponed due to the Gulf War and the Sars virus.

WO Jones, who usually flies Lynx helicopters with 9 Regiment Army Air Corps, said: "I'm not scared about the trip at all, I'm just really excited."

'Easy to land'

He added: "It's a chance of a lifetime, I'm going to get to see things few people get to see and also make a bit of aviation history.

He said gyroplanes were very different from flying helicopters and likened them to riding a motorcycle in the sky.

"They are much more simple, feel very safe, stable and secure," he said.

"And in the unlikely event of an engine failure they are quite easy to land."

Gyroplanes can fly at altitudes of up to 10,000ft, have a maximum speed of about 120mph and cruise at around 90mph.

But WO Jones said he would be sticking to an average height of 2,000ft at 80mph to conserve fuel.

His solo record bid will cost £200,000, which will be raised through donations and sponsorship, and he also hopes to raise money for the Dyslexia Foundation, the NSPCC and the Red Cross September 11 Appeal.