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Australian Pilot Stranded In Antarctica

Posted by michael on from the should-have-used-AAA dept.

mirio writes "Australian Jon Johanson is currently stranded in Antarctica at the US McMurdo outpost. He was attempting a flight from New Zealand to Argentina via the South Pole when he encountered a headwind that caused him to burn more fuel and divert to the base. Now both the Americans and the New Zealanders there are refusing to sell him fuel. Jon's story is amazing. He has flown his homebuilt RV-4 around the world three times and to the North Pole. You can read about his trips around the world here."

7 of 855 comments (clear)

  1. Re:They say they want to discourage tourism... by Helge+Hafting · · Score: 5, Funny
    If he had a totally unforseeable mechanical failure, say, or hit a bird (a pengiun?)

    A pilot that hits a penguin is in serious trouble.

  2. Johansen obviously didn't know... by raehl · · Score: 5, Funny

    All that base belong to US.

    --
    paintball
    1. Re:Johansen obviously didn't know... by Steve+Franklin · · Score: 4, Funny

      "But did he ever return
      No, he never returned,
      And his fate is still unlearned.
      He may sit forever 'neath the snows of McMurdo,
      He's the man who never returned."

      With apologies to the Kingston Trio.

      --
      Hic iacet Arthurus, rex quondam rexque futurus.
  3. That's not even the real problem... by raehl · · Score: 4, Funny

    "The US McMurdo exploration base in Antarctica is one of the most remote outposts in the world. Located on a scenic ice plain with an astounding view of iceberg-laden ocean, McMurdo is the ultimate destination for those seeking an escape from civilization or just a visit with an Emperor Penguin. But if you plan on a minimally-planned long-distance Antarctic flyover into a strong headwind with no invitation and no feul reserve, make sure you bring your Visa card, because Ross Island's McMurdo Station doesn't take American Express."

    --
    paintball
  4. Re:They say they want to discourage tourism... by NickFitz · · Score: 5, Funny
    This is going to cost Johanson an arm and a leg

    That's a joke about frostbite, right?

    --
    Using HTML in email is like putting sound effects on your phone calls. Just say <strong>no</strong>.
  5. Re:They say they want to discourage tourism... by shivianzealot · · Score: 5, Funny

    A pilot that hits a penguin is in serious trouble.

    Especially since the Linux community can be so hostile!

    --

    Bored with karma, be a fan/freak

  6. Re:They say they want to discourage tourism... by monkeydo · · Score: 5, Funny

    Last I checked, Australia was owned by nobody, by international agreement.

    I think the Australians might disagree with you.

    --
    Si vis pacem, para bellum
    The only thing more annoying than a Libertarian is an (un|mis)informed Libertarian