Trip Overview

Craparo-Dabbs World Record

October 3, 2015 — October 15, 2015


Hey, guys!  Dayton & John here.  We appreciate all your support for our trip.  We are really looking forward to keeping y’all up to date with each part of our adventure.  Drop us a line, and we will do our best to get back with you as soon as we can.  Thanks a bunch!


Track This Trip

Trip Log

Here’s the official logo for CRAPARO-DABBS WORLD RECORD trip.

And they’re off!  Now that they’re on their way, John and Dayton will be doing most of the posts, but will be staying in touch with me, so feel free to let me know if I can answer any questions.


Comments

64 comments

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Doug Rhodes 3rd of October 2015 11:47:43 AM

I know they are going to be super busy, Robert, but any details would be GREATLY appreciated. This is a... read more

I know they are going to be super busy, Robert, but any details would be GREATLY appreciated. This is a super cool trip. Do they have a "tracker" on?

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Greg Gremminger 3rd of October 2015 02:38:36 PM

Robert, what is the link to their SPOT tracker - Greg?

Robert, what is the link to their SPOT tracker - Greg?

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Kathy Dabbs 3rd of October 2015 07:14:10 PM

What an exciting Send Off! Looking forward to following you daily!

What an exciting Send Off! Looking forward to following you daily!

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Robert Dabbs 3rd of October 2015 07:18:13 PM

Greg and Doug, their spot tracker is on now. Click the TRACK THIS TRIP link and you should see them. We... read more

Greg and Doug, their spot tracker is on now. Click the TRACK THIS TRIP link and you should see them. We saw them take off at about 6:15. They were planning to stop in Waco to drop off a cell phone to one of Dayton's clients. Then, it's on to LOVE FIELD in Dallas. They're sleeping in the pilot's lounge tonight. Sean Thomas and Rob Waldrum are planning to meet them at 3:00 AM to weigh the machine. Then, it's on to Santa Monica CA. They're hoping to make it to CA by 9:00 PM Pacific time. I'll post PIX later tonight of their take off from John's place in CROSS COUNTRY ESTATES.

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Kathy Dabbs 4th of October 2015 07:21:45 AM

Looking forward to seeing pictures of your 4:30 send off. Would love an email telling me your fuel stops,... read more

Looking forward to seeing pictures of your 4:30 send off. Would love an email telling me your fuel stops, just so I can watch! Hope the sun comes up soon and warms you up!

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Scott Thomas 4th of October 2015 09:44:20 AM

Have a Great Day. Scott

Have a Great Day. Scott

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John Chirtea 4th of October 2015 04:47:42 PM

Good luck on this exciting trip. When you get back, I think it is time for a Magni M-24 record!!!!

Good luck on this exciting trip. When you get back, I think it is time for a Magni M-24 record!!!!

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Kathy Dabbs 4th of October 2015 07:00:40 PM

Great Pictures, Rob!!! I know they appreciate their 'send off' crew! Looking forward to hearing ya'll... read more

Great Pictures, Rob!!! I know they appreciate their 'send off' crew! Looking forward to hearing ya'll are safe in LA and can rest and get warm!!!

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Kathy Dabbs 4th of October 2015 11:45:26 PM

11:00 Sunday evening. Just heard from Dayton that they made it to Lake Havasu AZ and will overnight there.... read more

11:00 Sunday evening. Just heard from Dayton that they made it to Lake Havasu AZ and will overnight there. With a couple of hundred miles to go and fog setting in over 7000 ft matin ranges, they made decision to hold off flying until Monday morning.

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Kathy Dabbs 5th of October 2015 07:22:14 AM

Wait.....why aren't we getting updates from the PILOTS????? Hello, Dayton and John???!!!

Wait.....why aren't we getting updates from the PILOTS????? Hello, Dayton and John???!!!

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Doug Rhodes 5th of October 2015 09:53:39 AM

What's going on?? I thought LAX was in the "travel plans". Did weather get in the way??

What's going on?? I thought LAX was in the "travel plans". Did weather get in the way??

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Scott Thomas 5th of October 2015 10:44:33 AM

“Once you have tasted flight, you will forever walk the earth with your eyes turned skyward, for there... read more

“Once you have tasted flight, you will forever walk the earth with your eyes turned skyward, for there you have been, and there you will always long to return.” ― Leonardo da Vinci So wake up and get going already. Take Care Scott

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Kathy Dabbs 5th of October 2015 10:48:51 AM

Doug, Word from last night was that fog was moving in. I think they had an issue or two with airports not... read more

Doug, Word from last night was that fog was moving in. I think they had an issue or two with airports not having their gas. Haven't heard this morning but last night they were staying in Lake Havasu area.

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Cliff Massey 5th of October 2015 12:12:04 PM

Looks like you had to turn back to Desert Hills late last night. What happened? What record are you... read more

Looks like you had to turn back to Desert Hills late last night. What happened? What record are you trying to set, LA to NY? What is the current record and when was it set? What is your time goal?

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Kathy Dabbs 5th of October 2015 12:24:35 PM

I think fog moved in, Cliff. They are not very good at keeping us updated, though, are they???? :)

I think fog moved in, Cliff. They are not very good at keeping us updated, though, are they???? :)

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Kathy Dabbs 5th of October 2015 01:46:25 PM

At 1:30 (central time) they had stopped for fuel about 50 miles N/E of Palm Springs CA. Dayton says the... read more

At 1:30 (central time) they had stopped for fuel about 50 miles N/E of Palm Springs CA. Dayton says the decision to turn back last night was a life saving choice. Kudos to good decision making. They should get to Santa Monica around mid-afternoon. To the questions about what record they're trying to set - I'll ask to John to fill in details when he has time to post.

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Ira McComic 5th of October 2015 02:46:19 PM

I'm following this grand adventure moment by moment. Dayton and John are helping folks discover that... read more

I'm following this grand adventure moment by moment. Dayton and John are helping folks discover that gyroplanes aren't just for flying around the patch. I have some photos of the two of them shortly after their arrival Sunday evening at Love Field, but I haven't discovered how to post them here.

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Ira McComic 5th of October 2015 02:55:35 PM

Hi Cliff John can answer your questions most directly, but FYI, here's the text of the press release... read more

Hi Cliff John can answer your questions most directly, but FYI, here's the text of the press release for the trip. Ira PRESS RELEASE Contact: Jay Tyler +1 (201) 786-4550 Texas Pilots Will Crisscross United States to Set World Speed Records in Experimental Aircraft Two pilots plan to depart from Dallas Love Field on 4 October 2015 in an attempt to set three world speed records over recognized courses in a two seat open-cockpit gyroplane. The duo will fly the following routes: Dallas to Los Angeles, Los Angeles to New York City, and New York City to Dallas. John S. Craparo and Dayton A. Dabbs will act as co-pilots during this National Aeronautic Association (NAA) sanctioned flight. Their aircraft is a Magni M16 gyroplane designated as an Experimental Amateur Built (EAB) flying machine. The pilots will alternate as pilot in command (PIC) of the aircraft during each leg of the flight. The M16 has two open cockpits which situate one pilot in front of the other. Each cockpit is equipped with dual controls. The pair will navigate the gyroplane at various altitudes taking advantage of favorable wind and weather conditions. Plans call for cruising altitudes from 500 to 12,500 feet above the ground. The aircraft is equipped with advanced navigation and radio transceivers. Satellite tracking will allow the mission support team and all interested parties to track the flight in real-time. The public can follow the satellite track at gyrotrips.com. Major airports visited during the flight will include Dallas Love Field, Santa Monica Municipal Airport and LaGuardia Airport. Dabbs states, “Aside from any record setting, we would like to display the capability of this small aircraft as a comfortable and economical touring vehicle for short and long distance travel.” The gyroplane uses about 5 gallons of premium auto fuel for every hour of flight. The gyroplane cruises at 100 mph. John Craparo stresses the safety and stability record of the aircraft. He also says, “It is fun and its simple controls make it easy to fly for a properly trained pilot.” John S. Craparo, 56 years of age from Georgetown, TX, is a retired senior vice president of HewlettPackard Company. He holds pilot privileges in airplane, seaplane, gyroplane, powered parachute, glider, and hot air balloon. He is also a certificated advanced ground instructor and aircraft repairman. Dayton A. Dabbs, 30 years of age from Taylor, TX, is the president of Lone Star Magni Gyro, Inc. The company trains gyroplane pilots and is a leading distributor for Magni Gyroplanes in the USA. He holds commercial pilot privileges in airplane and gyroplane. He is also a certificated flight instructor (CFI) and aircraft repairman. He is authorized to issue pilot certificates as a designated pilot examiner (DPE). A gyroplane is a category of aircraft utilizing non-motorized overhead rotor blades for lift with an engine driven propeller for forward thrust. The Magni M16 is an open cockpit two place carbon fiber and steel aircraft equipped with a 115 horse power Rotax 914 turbocharged aviation engine. The rotorblades measure 28 feet in diameter. The gyroplane, as configured for the record attempt, weighs 1,100 pounds. The aircraft can cruise at 100 mph at a maximum altitude of 14,000 feet. The precursor of the modern gyroplane was the Autogiro, invented in 1923 by Juan de la Cierva of Spain. The aircraft was hailed for its ability to make very short takeoffs and landings. In addition, it was extremely safe due its inability to suddenly lose aerodynamic lift which plagued fixed wing airplanes of the day. During the 1930’s the Autogiro was imported into the United States under license to aviation entrepreneurs like Harold Pitcairn and Wallace Kellett. Advanced models of the original design were developed in the States by these men. In May 1931, the experienced exhibition pilot Johnny Miller took off for the west coast in an attempt to be the first person to cross the country in an Autogiro. Amelia Earhart, who was better known than Miller and much better financed, also left the east coast trying to add that title to her list of aviation triumphs. When she reached California in her Pitcairn Autogiro, she was surprised and angered to learn that Miller beat her there by a week in the same make and model machine. During this period, Autogiros were regularly flown from the lawn of the White House and the US Capitol. In 1939, Miller and Eastern Airlines entered into a contract with the US Postal Service. Miller was contracted to fly the world’s shortest airmail route between the rooftop of the Philadelphia post office and the Camden, NJ airport. Miller flew over 3,000 successful flights between the downtown office building and the airport over the course of twelve months. The gyroplane used by Craparo and Dabbs carries the same registration number as the Kellett Autogiro flown by Miller, N15069. It is also dressed with a modernized Eastern Airlines logo from that era, a stylized eagle in a circle. The Autogiro was displaced by the helicopter during the Second World War due to the latter’s vertical takeoff and landing capability. In the early 1990’s Vittorio Magni, an Italian engineer, developed the prototype for the modern gyroplane flown by Craparo and Dabbs, the very versatile Magni M16. The M16 is now flown all over the world for recreation and commercial use including pipeline patrol, traffic reporting, agricultural spraying, ranching and police surveillance. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) defines criteria for Experimental Amateur Built (EAB) aircraft and upon passing rigorous government inspection issues a special Certificate of Airworthiness. The National Aeronautic Association (NAA) is the nation’s oldest flying organization. It is the official sanctioning body for national and world record flights as a founding member of the Fédération Aéronautique Internationale, the World Air Sports Federation (FAI). Attachments: Record Flight Schedule and Route High Resolution Photograph of N15069 Flight Logo Flight Map

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Robert Dabbs 5th of October 2015 03:14:15 PM

Ira - email your images to rdabbs@gyrotrips.com and we'll pose them. Thanks for your post.

Ira - email your images to rdabbs@gyrotrips.com and we'll pose them. Thanks for your post.

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Brook Benten 5th of October 2015 04:46:37 PM

You guys are in our prayers. Keep flying safe. Enjoy the adventure.

You guys are in our prayers. Keep flying safe. Enjoy the adventure.

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Comments Continued

John Craparo 5th of October 2015 10:24:34 PM

The trip so far is fantastic. We have shared PIC duties with the larger burden on Dayton so far. It should even out as we progress. I must say the FAA has been fantastic. I cannot say enough about the ATC as they are familiar with our record attempt and fully suppotive expediting us through Class Bravo aotspace We were delayed at Parker, AZ and found no gas at Belen we had to wait 2 hours for skydive pilot to pump fuel. Weather came into play as we were pressing to make LA in one day. We had to turn back en route to Big Bear do to darkness and heavy fog . We overnighted at Lake Havasu then morning thunderstoms pushed wheels up back an hour. The challenge for a speed record is that all time is countrd, not just flying time. Departure for NY will be at 7am tomorrow morning... hope to land LaGuardia on the 8th!

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Doug Rhodes 6th of October 2015 03:56:26 AM

John and Dayton.....Way to go....you are making great progress. On to the city that "if you can make it there, you can make it anywhere" NEW YORK, New York. Safe (and speedy) travels my friends!

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Robert Dabbs 6th of October 2015 07:31:07 AM

Thanks, Ira for the new pix of their leaving Love Field Sunday morning. We'll post them later today.

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Cliff Massey 6th of October 2015 01:01:19 PM

They are either stuck in Santa Monica or their tracker is off. Maybe they just decided to check out the sites in SM??? Can't blame them...

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Robert Dabbs 6th of October 2015 01:42:39 PM

1:40 central time Tuesday afternoon. Just talked with Dayton. They spent the morning getting the oil, filters, etc needed to change oil in the Magni. It's done now and they should be departing Santa Monica within the hour. Dayton says they plant to fly through the night. We'll see!

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luca varieze Magni 6th of October 2015 05:43:06 PM

Ciao Dayton e John, lo staff MagniGyro veglia giorno e notte sulla vostra straordinaria avventura. Grazie di esserci!

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Brook Benten 6th of October 2015 06:24:49 PM

Hayes says "Hi Dayton." Safe travels, you two!

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Cliff Massey 7th of October 2015 06:48:08 AM

Questions from the gallery... What airspeed are you trying to maintain? What groundspeeds have you been able to achieve? What altitude ranges are you finding favorable winds? Be sure to stay WAY away from D.C. :)

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Kathy Dabbs 7th of October 2015 06:49:49 AM

Oh, I hope you are enjoying the AMAZING creation of Almighty God as you fly over places like the Grand Canyon! So thankful for your wisdom on when to stop! Fly safe and enjoy the opportunity to see the US!

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ELISABETTA 7th of October 2015 09:16:02 AM

Hallo guys, I'm Dayton's Italian Mamma ... fantastic adventure. I cannot believe... Both be carefull. we want you back as THE WINNERS! Bik kiss - Eli

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Robert Dabbs 7th of October 2015 12:44:04 PM

I talked with Dayton for about a minute this morning around 9:30 central time. They were getting ready to leave Flagstaff AZ. Looks like they're basically following Interstate 40 eastbound.

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Robert Dabbs 7th of October 2015 12:54:09 PM

Greetings to Luca and Elisabeta at the Magni Factory in Besnate, Italy - glad to have you on gyrotrips.com following John and Dayton's trip.

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Robert Dabbs 7th of October 2015 05:38:43 PM

At 5:30 central time Wed afternoon, I'm waiting to hear from Dayton why their tracker isn't moving. Will update as soon as I know something.

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Doug Rhodes 7th of October 2015 08:25:08 PM

Robert, could have been a not so nice line of storms (very unusual for my home state I might add) that looked like they were very much in their way of forward progress! My wife called and we were expecting a second straight day of measurable rainfall. I think they are back at it ---headed toward the goal of Kansas City or somewhere along those lines. -As long as they are SAFE!

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luca varieze Magni 7th of October 2015 09:06:43 PM

They are landed in Clayton...I suppose from the spot. I'm happy to know that...storms and darkness, better to go to sleep (like in Italy now!) Ciao and vlf!

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Brook Benten 8th of October 2015 06:59:43 AM

Is that right that your last tracker was at 1:30am? Get some sleep, you guys!!

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Kathy Dabbs 8th of October 2015 08:04:28 AM

Glad to see you finally stopped! Doug, I'm glad to know they made it past your storms! Those were suppose to be OUR storms in central Texas! Dayton and John, I'm praying protection, comfort, staying well fed, and staying well rested over you! Can't wait to see all the pictures! KEEP US UPDATED!!!

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Scott Thomas 8th of October 2015 10:18:05 AM

Congrats on making it to Dodge City the hard way (NIGHT Flying). I spent my Night Shift watching you guys. Be Careful. Take Care --Scott

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Cynthia Peterson 8th of October 2015 10:49:39 AM

I was very happy to meet John and Dayton and chat with them for a while. Great guys, and what a way to travel! Come back anytime-blue skies and tail winds to you! I'll save that forgotten water bottle ;-)

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luca varieze Magni 8th of October 2015 06:11:42 PM

DAY 6: Decatur airport, Illinois...after 1000 km today, they are ready to restart? Unbelievable!Many thanks for this exciting adventure.. I'm sorry, but I will check your progress tomorrow morning..now is time to sleep here! Ciao and remember vlf!

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Doug Rhodes 8th of October 2015 07:09:43 PM

John, Dayton--I strongly suggest you both turn around and see if you have "posteriors" left as you both have been flying your BUTTS off. Nice job. Onward to New York ----SAFELY!

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Robert Dabbs 8th of October 2015 11:46:01 PM

I'll be away from the site until Friday afternoon. Hopefully, Dayton and John will post updates. The spot is active so please continue to follow. Thanks to all.

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luca varieze Magni 9th of October 2015 02:35:14 AM

Very close to NY!!! For us it the best wat to wake up!!!!

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Doug Rhodes 9th of October 2015 06:09:29 AM

They are in NY--Just got a TEXT-Dayton says He's happy but EXHAUSTED! What a GREAT accomplishment!! Nice job!!! GET SOME REST!!!!!!!

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Kathy Dabbs 9th of October 2015 06:12:29 AM

Just talked to Dayton....after an all night flight (with many stories, I'm sure) they've landed safely at LaGuardia! Can't even imagine how exhausted, but they are on a high after a successful, across country trip! Thank You Jesus!

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Brook Benten 9th of October 2015 10:08:48 AM

We're very proud of you guys, but we're also very relieved to see that tracker isn't moving yet… hope that means you're both getting some zzzzzzz's. Congratulations on your world record.

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Pete Marsh 9th of October 2015 12:14:52 PM

You are SMOKING!!!! We are pulling for. Hi from Pete, Denise, and Victoria here in Alaska :-)

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Pete Marsh 9th of October 2015 12:17:52 PM

Hey how can we get a patch of the Craparo Dayton expidition logo? I want one for my flight suit. Or atleast a T-shirt?

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Kathy Dabbs 9th of October 2015 02:09:39 PM

I'm ready to see some pictures!! Show us some sights.....give us some details.....Don't just leave us hangin'!!!!

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John Craparo 9th of October 2015 08:11:04 PM

This morning we landed at LaGuardia Airport. We came in over a light cloud cover and made a landing on Runway 4. The control tower announced during landing that an American Airlines flight should line up and wait on to 22 while we made our landing. Dayton was the pilot and we made a very nice touchdown before the first turn off which turned out to be the old Marine Air Terminal where the plane has been tied down. Prior to coming into LaGuardia. We we're delayed as we crossed the Midwest and eastern states. Our original plan was to spend an hour or two at Morristown New Jersey in order to prep ourselves for the flight into the Class Bravo. That plan was thwarted as wee had to turn back due to heavy fog in central Pennsylvania. We relocated to a small, a very small, airport in eastern Pennsylvania where we spent about an hour sleeping on the concrete after refueling the plane, At about 5:30 am we prepped ourselves for the flight into LaGuardia. We had to be in before 6:30 a.m. in order to be sequenced with the light commercial traffic which would be ramping up throughout the day. As stated before, the FAA gave us expedited habdling in support of our record attempt. We have also been told this is likely the first ever landing of a gyroplane or Autogiro at KLGA. Attached are some photos that you might find interesting including the landing some mountain climbing over Arizona and New Mexico where we reached altitudes of up to 10,000 in the mountains. We also battled some storms which we skirted around for the most part but did get us in the aircraft a bit wet. Thus far we have had zero problems with the aircraft War of the engine oil has been running perfectly. On Sunday we should leave for Dallas to complete the third leg of what we hope become official world setting marks for gyroplanes on recognized courses. I'm a bit tired now so I'll sign off for the night I will update this further over the weekend.. As always thanks for your support.

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Scott Thomas 9th of October 2015 10:00:56 PM

Congratulations again. Take Care Scott

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luca varieze Magni 10th of October 2015 12:28:24 AM

BRAVISSIMI !!!

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Don Barthlow 10th of October 2015 10:47:41 AM

Nice work fellas.

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Brook Benten 11th of October 2015 12:10:38 PM

I'm inclined to say you guys are crazy, but as Vince Vaugh said, "How many times have people said 'that's crazy,' only to turn around and say 'that's genius.'" Have a safe trip home, you crazy geniuses! We love you!!

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Scott Thomas 12th of October 2015 02:40:07 PM

Keep going ---- Texas is just over the horizon !!!!

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Scott Thomas 12th of October 2015 02:40:54 PM

Keep Going........Texas is just over the horizon .

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Doug Rhodes 14th of October 2015 04:17:31 AM

Nice work guys ---and welcome home guys!! Time to get some rest and turn in your paperwork for a WORLD RECORD!! I can't wait to see the pictures and hear the stories!

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luca varieze Magni 14th of October 2015 04:18:42 AM

10' to Love Field DALLAS!!! Thank you guys, many many many thanks for this impressive adventure! Thank you also for the night flight.. the only way to done us an unforgettable morning here in Italy!!!!

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Scott Thomas 14th of October 2015 07:17:49 AM

Congratulations !!!!!!!!!!!! Welcome back to Texas. Scott

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Cliff Massey 14th of October 2015 09:49:45 AM

Welcome back. Looks like that last stretch arriving in Dallas at 4am was rough. Can't wait to see the pics.

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Brook Benten 14th of October 2015 12:39:59 PM

Welcome HOME!!!!

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luca varieze Magni 14th of October 2015 01:32:19 PM

BENTORNATI A CASA! CONGRATULAZIONI E GRAZIE MILLE PER TUTTE LE EMOZIONI CHE CI AVETE REGALATO NEGLI ULTIMI 10 GIORNI ! CIAO E SEMPRE VLF

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Robert Dabbs 14th of October 2015 04:46:13 PM

Dayton made it as far as the sofa. That's where he is now and will probably still be there this time tomorrow. Congrats to John, Dayton, and to the Magni's for this successful trip.

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Anthony Little 16th of October 2015 12:02:55 PM

Greetings from Pike County Illinois, I had the pleasure of meeting John and Dayton as they were refuelling at Penstone Municipal Airport in Pittsfield IL.

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