World video travel guide

NewsUnited States • 2012-01-09

Select the country and object's type GreenLight WorldFlight

From Slovenia, a Central European country at the juncture of the Alps and the Mediterranean, today, on 8 January 2012, the Virus SW ultra light plane has set out on a two-month journey around the world. Weighing merely 290 kilos, this plane, which uses a minimum amount of fuel, was constructed by the Slovenian manufacturer, Pipistrel, a recurrent winner of the NASA award for top energy-efficient planes.

Sustainable development in all fields is a priority of Slovenia, which, although one of the smaller European countries, invites the entire international community to become even more devoted to protecting the environment and solving the problem of climate change, protecting local cultures and friendlier social relations.

From Slovenia, across Africa to North and South America and the Antarctic and over to Australia and Asia, over Mount Everest and India and back home again, the plane will be piloted by Matevž Lenarčič, a biologist, photographer and nature protectionist. He will be accompanied, in mind and heart, by all of Slovenia and its National Tourist Board. Everywhere the brave pilot lands with his environmentally friendly plane, he will bring with him the best wishes of the citizens of this green and welcoming country, and especially, a country that takes care of the planet and global friendship.

Think small - think light - think green

The pilot Matevž Lenarčič will regularly post his impressions about the journey at www.worldgreenflight.com.

NEW STORY

On the way around the world

In the early days of 2012, Matevž Lenarcic, a biologist, environmentalists

and photographer-pilot will again set course

in his small aircraft for a lonely  ight around the world, this

time in a westerly direction. The tiny ultra light Virus-SW914,

made by the worldwide renowned company Pipistrel, weighs

only 290kg / 640lb and is the fastest aircraft in the world in its

category, using less fuel per distance  own. Its abilities have

been proven in two NASA sponsored competitions in the

USA, where for two consecutive years the aircraft received

prestigious awards for its exceptional  ight characteristics.

The aircraft is produced under the Pipistrel brand Ecolution

http://www.pipistrel.si/top-quality/ecolution-our-philosophy ,

meaning 100% autonomous energy production with optimized,

computer-controlled acquisition of green energy (solar,

air and geothermal).

NEW MISSION

Look at the images - feel the planet

Flying around the world in a small airplane has a profound

meaning. Low and slow over the surface, with a notion of the

planet revolving beneath the wings, but fast enough to discover

its secrets. These secrets will be stored in digital memory cards

and then communicated to the people of our planet, so they will

also get a feel for their world. Only people with a sense of the

world are able to protect it. More than 70% of Earth’s surface is

covered with water. Due to di erent physical states, di erent

quality and distribution, almost a third of the human population

has limited or even blocked access to safe drinking sources. We

can all change that. Images will show places with plenty of clean

drinking water and places without a single drop. We are going to

show very di erent faces of water and warn the world that lack

of water brings even more tension to the society than oil trade.

NEW CHALLENGE

In the eco-friendly light aircraft

GreenLight WorldFlight faces Pipistrel and the pilot with a number

of challenges. The aircraft must safely operate when  ying at very

high or low polar temperatures and extreme altitudes. In addition,

the fuel consumption must remain at very low levels, as some

stages are over 4000km long, and the amount of fuel on board of

such a small aircraft is very limited. Only by an ideal combination

of weight, drag and lift the required results can be achieved. The

aim is to  y over 80,000km (twice the lenght of Earth’s) around the

world in with a minimal use of 95 octane unleaded fuel. Besides

high speeds close to 300km/h (160kts), the aircraft must remain

stable at very low speeds below 80km/h (43kts). So far, this is the

only aircraft with such capabilities, so Pipistrel sets new standards

in environmentally-friendly and utility  ying.

NEW RESEARCH

We will demonstrate that a lightweight aircraft can provide valuable

information on the black carbon - BC and light absorbing

carbonaceous aerosols - LACA concentrations, their regional

heterogeneity and vertical pro les with a minor payload and for

a fraction of the cost associated with large airborne platforms.

We will modify the aircraft to include an aerosol inlet and use an

Aethalometer to measure aerosol optical properties at di erent

wavelengths. The wavelength dependence of absorption will enable

us to attempt to apportion the BC concentrations to two major

sources: biomass and fossil fuel combustion. Measurements

will be performed throughout the  ight and will include regions,

where no or very little measurements have taken place, such as

Antarctica, Africa and over the Atlantic and Paci c oceans.

ATTEMPTS TO:

y Fly the lightest 3-axis aircraft (290kg/640lb)

Around the World

y Burn the smallest amount of fuel

per distance  own

y Fly world speed records

y Make the nicest book about World Waters

ROUTE

Over more than 50 countries

Italy, France, Spain, Marocco, Western Sahara, Mauritania, Senegal,

Brazil, Franch Guiana, Surinam, Guiana, Venezuela, Trinidad

and Tobago, Carribean, Florida, Alabama, Misisipi, Lousiana, Texas,

Mexico, Guatemala, Salvador, Nikaragua, Costarica, Panama, Columbia,

Ecuador, Peru, Paraguay, Uruguay, Argentina, Chile, Antarctic,

French Polynesia, New Zealand, Australia, Indonesia, Malaysia,

Thailand, Mjanmar, Bangladesh, Nepal, India, Seychelles,

Tanzania, Mozambique, South Africa, Namibia, Angola, Congo,

Camerun, Central Afrcan Republic, Chad, Niger, Libya, Tunisia.

CONTINENTS HIGHEST MOUNTAINS

x Mt.Blanc – 4810 m (Europa)

x Aconcagua – 6960 m (S.America)

x Mt.Kasciusko - 2230 m(Avstralia)

x Mt. Everest - 8872 m(Asia)

x Kilimanjaro – 5895 m (Africa)

OCEANS

x South Atlantic 1670nm - 3100 km

x South Paci c 7720nm - 14300 km

x Inidan Ocean 2860nm - 5300 km

PILOT

Matevž Lenarcic (1959, Slovenia) has graduated in biology. An alpinist, paraglider, environmentalists,

photographer and a pilot, he has climbed all over the world and among others reached the top of

8051m Broad Peak in Himalaya and climbed extreme routes in Patagonia. He is author of 11 books (nature,

photography, climbing and  ying), some of them awarded and translated in several languages.

He is also founder and director of Aerovizija d.o.o., company for aerial photography.

www.aerovizija.com

Matevž Lenarcic is experienced long distance  ier.

Besides “normal”  ying in Europe, mostly for aerial business purposes

(vertical and oblique photography), he has also some extreme  ights under his belt:

x Worldtrannsiberia 2002: 28 000km over 8 countries incl. Russia

x Around The Only World 2004: 38 000km crossing 23 countries

x Africa - Valley of Life 2005: 17 000km over 13 countries

x The Alps - A Bird’s Eye View 2006 - 2009: 60 000km all over the Alps

He has  own for more than 3000 hours all over the world, mostly with his ultra light motor glider and other single engine aircrafts.

He holds PPL - private pilot license with IFR - (instrumental  ight rules) rating, night quali cation, and ULPL - ultralight pilot license.

Records:

x O cial national speed record Around the World Eastbound - C1a

x Ano cial world speed record Around the World Eastbound - C1a

x 2nd place national competition RAL2 2005

Aviation awards and prices

- Fédération Aéronautique Internationale (FAI):

x Bronze colibry

x Silver colibry

x Diamond colibry

x Circumnavigator East Diamond

Active member (Supervisory Board) AOPA Slovenija (Aircraft Owner and Pilot Association) | Member AOPA America

Member EAA America (Experimental Aircraft Association) | Member aeroclub AK Prlek and Društvo Zgornjesavinjskih letalcev

RSS RSS All news

 

Related objects

Alabama

Regions, areas, large resorts Alabama

Some cities of Alabama still keep a spirit and a subtle charm of Old American South - a land of aristocrats-planters and endless cotton fields

Alaska

Regions, areas, large resorts Alaska

Alaska is the land of wild, primeval nature, snowy mountains, glaciers, volcanoes, bare islands, dense forests, tundra. Cold winters and hot springs; the richest sources of mineral and fuel resources

Arizona

Regions, areas, large resorts Arizona

Deserts, mountains, canyons, rivers, craters, and fossilized forest - all of these can be seen only in State of Arizona in southwest of the United States

Arkansas

Regions, areas, large resorts Arkansas

Nature is the main attraction of Arkansas. There are 5 parks within the system of National parks of the U. S. and 47 parks belong to the state of Arkansas

California

Regions, areas, large resorts California

California is so-called «The Golden State» of the United States. It is amazingly diverse in natural and cultural features

Colorado

Regions, areas, large resorts Colorado

Mountain State of Colorado is rich in beautiful cities, national parks, rivers and lakes, canyons and waterfalls - expanse for tourism

Connecticut

Regions, areas, large resorts Connecticut

Owing to the rich cultural life and close neighborhood of New York, Connecticut holds the leadership among the main tourist centers of the U. S.

Delaware

Regions, areas, large resorts Delaware

Tourist will find in the state of Delaware picturesque shores of the Delaware Bay, endless expanses of the Ocean, the majestic capital of the state

Florida

Regions, areas, large resorts Florida

Warm climate, an abundance of excellent beaches, theme and national parks, all possibilities to have fun attract tourists to the state of Florida all the year round

Georgia

Regions, areas, large resorts Georgia

The Peach State, the Empire State of the South or just Georgia is famous for its state song "Georgia on My Mind" recorded by incomparable Ray Charles.

Guam

Regions, areas, large resorts  
Guam

Hawaii

Regions, areas, large resorts Hawaii

On Hawaii there is everything you dreamed of: beautiful beaches and trendy discos for lovers of entertainment, virgin jungle and wild gardens for nature lovers, magnificent coral reefs and the best surfing points for fans of sports recreation

Idaho

Regions, areas, large resorts Idaho

Lunar craters in Idaho - are the most amazing 75 sq. miles on North American continent - extraordinarily beautiful place

Illinois

Regions, areas, large resorts Illinois

The state of Illinois can be divided into two parts: the raucous industrial city of Chicago and agricultural Illinois itself with its settled life

Indiana

Regions, areas, large resorts Indiana

Indianapolis, the capital of the state of Indiana is the main tourist attraction and a Mecca for those who love baseball and are keen on cars.

Iowa

Regions, areas, large resorts Iowa

They often call Iowa the "Food Capital of the World", but its economy, culture, and landscape are diverse

Kansas

Regions, areas, large resorts Kansas

The main attractions of Kansas are 4 national historic sites - military forts of XIX cent. and the National Reserve (the Flint Hills), the continent's largest remaining tract of tallgrass

Kentucky

Regions, areas, large resorts Kentucky

The state of Kentucky is known for bourbon and whiskey distilling, tobacco and horse racing. The most famous horse racing is the Kentucky Derby

Louisiana

Regions, areas, large resorts Louisiana

The main tourist center of Louisiana, is New Orleans - a stunning city, numerous districts of which offer a wide variety of national cultures and cuisines

Maine

Regions, areas, large resorts Maine

The state of Maine, located on the very north of U. S. Atlantic coast is relatively sparsely populated, but thickly covered with forests - a perfect place for nature lovers

Maryland

Regions, areas, large resorts Maryland

Tourists come to Maryland to relax on beaches of the Ocean - City or resort towns of the Deep Creek Lake. Different forms of active recreation, excellent sea food restaurants

Massachusetts

Regions, areas, large resorts Massachusetts

The state of Massachusetts is home to the U. S. famous museums and art galleries, Harvard and Cambridge Universities

Michigan

Regions, areas, large resorts Michigan

Michigan, famous for its professional sports teams, is a paradise for active holiday lovers, from hikers and hunters to fishermen and yachtsmen

Minnesota

Regions, areas, large resorts Minnesota

There are more than 10 thousand lakes in the state of Minnesota. It is noteworthy that rivers flow from Minnesota in three directions: north - to Hudson Bay, east - to the Atlantic and south to the Gulf of Mexico. Great fishing

Mississippi

Regions, areas, large resorts Mississippi

The state of Mississippi is heavily forested. Its name comes from the Mississippi River. Golf, tennis and boating are year round sports. Jackson is the state's capital and largest city

Montana

Regions, areas, large resorts Montana

“A State of Treasures” – Montana - will please tourists with a lot of natural, cultural and historical attractions

Nevada

Regions, areas, large resorts Nevada

The state of Nevada attracts lovers of gambling, mountain resorts, quiet recreation and fishing on lake shores

New Hampshire

Regions, areas, large resorts New Hampshire

Mountainous-lake region of New Hampshire in New England is the oldest resort in America. People come to this amazing place all the year round

New Mexico

Regions, areas, large resorts New Mexico

Any traveler will appreciate the mountainous state of New Mexico: numerous monuments of ancient culture, 20 Indian settlements, excellent ski resorts

New York

Regions, areas, large resorts New York

State of New York is saturated with mountains, rivers, lakes and pine forests. Besides that, there are excellent beaches in the Long Island district and on the Atlantic’s coasts

New York City

Cities New York City

New York City - skyscrapers, museums, galleries, theaters, exhibition halls, parks, cafes and restaurants - all these one can find in the largest city of the world

North Carolina

Regions, areas, large resorts North Carolina

In the state of North Carolina there are many rivers and foothills, beautiful cities with museums and parks, hotels and resorts on the Atlantic shores

North Dakota

Regions, areas, large resorts North Dakota

The state of North Dakota attracts tourists with rodeo and the developed infrastructure of ski resorts

South Dakota

Regions, areas, large resorts South Dakota

The state of South Dakota is famous by music festivals, cowboy rodeos, speed-racings. Fields for golf are rightly considered to be among the U. S. best

State of Wyoming

Regions, areas, large resorts State of Wyoming

High mountain state of Wyoming always attracts mountaineers and ecotourism enthusiasts

Tennessee

Regions, areas, large resorts Tennessee

State of Tennessee attracts tourists by the highest mountain Klingmans-Dome (6,643 feet) and splendid local whiskey Jack Daniels

Texas

Regions, areas, large resorts Texas

Texas, located at the south of the North American continent, is the second largest U.S. state. It is the industrial and agrarian leader of the country

United States Virgin Islands

Regions, areas, large resorts United States Virgin Islands

United States Virgin Islands attracts tourists from all over the world with their beautiful tropical nature, splendid sand beaches, fantastic coral forests, excellent diving places

Utah

Regions, areas, large resorts Utah

State of Utah provides tourists with all opportunities for excellent vacations: the Rocky Mountains, the Colorado River, the Great Salt Lake, natural forest reserves

Vermont

Regions, areas, large resorts Vermont

Most of the territory of Vermont is covered by mountains, hills and valleys. There are many lakes and ponds. High tourist season is in summer, fall

Virginia

Regions, areas, large resorts Virginia

The state of Virginia is a birthplace of 8 presidents of the U. S. George Washington was born in the town of Mount Vernon. His plantation home is well preserved and now is a museum

Washington (U.S. state)

Regions, areas, large resorts Washington (U.S. state)

State of Washington attracts tourist with resorts of the Pacific coast, beautiful cities, national parks and the Cascade Ranges

Washington, D.C.

Regions, areas, large resorts Washington, D.C.

Formally the District of Columbia and commonly referred to as Washington, the District, or simply D. C., is the capital of the United States. It is famous for impressive monuments and world class art museums

West Virginia

Regions, areas, large resorts West Virginia

The state of West Virginia has a lot of attractions: National Historical Park Harpers Ferry; SPA Resorts White Sulphur Springs and Berkeley Springs

Wisconsin

Regions, areas, large resorts Wisconsin

Wisconsin is the state of undulating hills covered with forests, and deep lakes - more than 8,5 thousand, the largest of which is Vinnebego. The climate is humid

Appalachian Trail

Extreme tourism and Walking Appalachian Trail

Appalachian Trail - is a popular route for hiking with the length of 3. 5 thousand kilometers. One will need a whole season to overcome it

Rocky Mountains

Mountains, caves, canons Rocky Mountains

In the Rocky Mountains are concentrated many of the United State’s national parks, which attract tourists from different countries all the year round