Flying solo, US septuagenarian lands in Ahmedabad

He is 75, but at this age, this American is as vivid, witty and full of energy as he talks about his passion for aviation. He leaves one in wonderland with his narration of adventures he has experienced on his way in a bid to map the world with his vintage aircraft used in the World War II.

Meet the septuagenarian Captain William Charney who landed at Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport on Friday noon. This Vietnam War veteran is on a mission to fly solo around the world. He started off from New Zealand and flew to Bali, Jakarta, Kuala Lumpur, Bangkok and
Combodia in the span of nearly three years.

The purpose, as he points out, is to do something that could become a source of inspiration for the young generation back home in the US. He believes that life doesn’t end even when one’s age becomes as fragile as in 70s.

“I have always been passionate for flying aircrafts or say aviation. When I came to know about Sir Francis Chichester who sailed alone around the world in a simple yacht, I decided to fly solo all across the Europe, Asia and then go back to my own motherland,” said Captain Charney who is nicknamed as Captain Biff.     Turn to p14