WORLD FLIGHT
WORLD'S FIRST PARAPLEGIC TO CIRCUMNAVIGATE THE GLOBE IN A HELICOPTER
The Mission
This mission is designed to draw worldwide attention to the plight of Veterans and to the vision of NV3, by generating public awareness through the first paraplegic flight in a helicopter by Stewart McQuillan ( and the first circumnavigation by a dog in the air - Stewarts service dog KING)
The Pilot
NV3 Founder: Captain Stewart McQuillan,
RAF/USAF, Retired
Stewart is a former RAF Tornado GR-1 fighter pilot who lost the use of his legs in the line of duty when his aircraft broke up and the brakes crushed his spinal cord. He returned to the cockpit in fixed wing aircraft under a program from the Douglas Bader Foundation.
He holds the distinction of being the first paraplegic ever to be certified to fly a helicopter, accomplished in 2001 using the “aeroleg” device he invented in consultation with many operators and engineers. Since then, he has flown virtually every type of helicopter using this system.
He is the first paraplegic ever to build a helicopter, accomplished in 2021 building a Rotorway 162F, an experimental helicopter. This helicopter is the first in the world specifically designed and built for a paraplegic to fly.
It is Stewart’s desire to be an inspiration to other veterans who have been impacted in a similar way and to help them fly again.
World Awareness Tour2025
The Journey
This Journey will consist of 98 planned stops in 28 different countries
28th country TBD
Total distance from Colorado Springs, CO, returning to the point of origin is 24,726 miles, or 39,792 km
This journey will consist of 98 planned stops in 28 different countries
The duration will be at least 150 cockpit hours, between 46 and 80 days, dependent on weather, helicopter maintenance requirements, etc.
The Goals
