First intl. flight by Solar Impulse today

Friday, 13 May 2011 00:39 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

A favourable weather window seems to be opening up for Friday 13 May 2011.

Powered only by solar energy, Solar Impulse HB-SIA could make its first international flight to Brussels. Taking off from Payerne airfield (Switzerland), the solar airplane of Bertrand Piccard and André Borschberg will attempt to reach Brussels Airport, landing there at around 21:00 hours (UTC +2).

The prototype, piloted by André Borschberg, will take off from Payerne airfield and climb to an altitude of 3600 meters. The plane will head for France, pass over Luxembourg and land at Brussels Airport (Zaventem).

Due to heavy air traffic in the early evening and possible turbulence caused by thermals, Solar Impulse has received permission to take off from Payerne at around 06:00 hours and will land at Brussels Airport sometime after 21:00 hours (UTC + 2). So the flight should last approximately 12 hours.

The Fight Director and his team will assist the pilot from ‘Mission Control Center’ at Payerne.