SQuiRT, the battery powered plane that started its voyage through all 48 of the contiguous United Sates from Virginia in 2008 has competed its path back to southeastern Virginia after 5 years and 4 months. Those involved have called the last flight \u201cbitter sweet\u201d as they have put much time and effort and met many friends through the process. The end also marks a great accomplishment, as the SQuiRT has never been shipped, something that has never been done before. This has truly been a historical event for model aviation.<\/p>\n
SQuiRT\u2019s final flights will be in Virginia at a number of flying events, escorted by local WAA-08 pilot Wade Saltzgiver, at local clubs through September.\u00a0 The plane will be flown in demo flights at these events and will be used for new pilot introductions with a buddy box.\u00a0\u00a0 The SQuiRT is a trainer plane, and has been used by many to introduce newcomers to the sport and help teach new pilots how to fly.<\/p>\n
Currently, 811 different pilots have flown the SQuiRT totaling over 1,000 flights since the beginning of her journey. The plane will soon be retired at the National Model Aviation Museum. Rusty Kennedy, AMA\u2019s Leader Member chairman, has volunteered to carry the SQuiRT to Muncie from VA where he will hand her off to Frank Geisler. Frank will travel to Muncie from California and personally make the SQuiRT\u2019s last transfer to museum staff at 2 PM on October 18, 2013. Photographs and video of the donation will be posted the week after the event for those who are not able to travel to Muncie.<\/p>\n