19-year-old pilot flies solo to Dubai, raising $1M for cancer
Flying is not just a hobby for Ethan Guo, who is 19 years old, but a purpose. The young Asian-American pilot is using his passion for aviation to raise money for childhood cancer research and support those fighting cancer.
Guo aims to set a world record as the youngest person to fly solo to every continent in a small plane. In addition to winning the championship, he aims to raise $1 million by visiting hospitals and meeting with young patients in almost every country he visits.
My goal is to seize every chance to bring attention to childhood cancer and the importance of boosting research to discover prevention and treatment strategies. Guo stated that it is important for children to not experience cancer.
So far, this journey has led me to various destinations around the world. What I've discovered is that people are generally kind wherever I go and everyone I encounter is determined to improve the world we live in. He stated that they are each doing their best and, collectively, great things can be achieved.
The adolescent is presently in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, participating in his ambitious fundraising event. He will make a quick stop in Doha, Qatar before arriving in Dubai on August 19.
He mentioned that the hospitality in Riyadh has been incredible, as the kindness and warmth of the locals have deeply moved him.
Currently, he eagerly anticipates his upcoming trip to Dubai. Guo said he looks forward to [connecting] with the people of the UAE, who he has heard are equally welcoming and supportive.
The grand adventure
Following his departure from Geneva, Switzerland, he organized multiple layovers in almost 60 countries within a span of 150 days, covering over 80,000km during his journey. He visits nations like Egypt, Saudi Arabia, India, and Japan, then travels across the North Pacific to Alaska, proceeding through Canada and the US, and ultimately reaching South America and Antarctica.
Guo has gone to great lengths to guarantee his safety while flying a modified Cessna 182 by making adjustments like eliminating the back seats to fit an extra fuel tank, enabling him to fly for as long as 17 hours continuously.
I spent a total of eight hours in the air while traveling from Canada to the western coast of Greenland. Guo, who has a satellite connection to his ground team and three emergency locator transmitters on board, is eagerly anticipating the uninterrupted 15-hour journey from Japan to Alaska.
At the age of 13, the teenager's interest in aviation sparked, and by 17, he had obtained his private pilot license, amassing over 700 hours of flying experience.
The thing that inspired him
When Guo's cousin was diagnosed with cancer, his mission gained more significance, motivating him to raise awareness and funds to fight this terrible disease through his journey.
My cousin was diagnosed with blood cancer at the age of 18. Guo said, "Upon finding out about it, I pondered about creating an impact and discussed with my parents my idea of embarking on a solo global journey to raise funds."
It took me six years to seek approval from my mother, which I did not initially have. "But my father provided a lot of support," Guo stated.
The teenage pilot aims to establish a world record and create a long-lasting impact in the battle against childhood cancer through this initiative.
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