SA pilot in record flight attempt to circumnavigate the globe via both poles

Next week will mark the 50 years since the Apollo 11 moon landing.
To tie in with this event, there will be an attempt to break the round-the-world record for an aircraft flying over both the North and South poles, and it will be done in a Qatar Executive Gulfstream G650ER ultra-long-range business jet.
On board will be Action Aviation Chairman Hamish Harding and former International Space Station Commander Col. Terry Virts. Also on board will be a South African pilot Jeremy Ascough - who flies for Qatar Airways.
He cannot chat to us at the moment as he's still on duty and there is understandably some strict media protocol ahead of the attempt, but his aunt, Angela Desmidt, chats to Kieno Kammies about planned attempt.
She says the man behind the project was Commander Terry Burt
Terry Burt has orbited the planet more than 3,400 times as an astronaut. He is a veteran of three space flights and had a stint as commander of the international space station.
Angela Desmidt, Aunt of SA pilot Jeremy Ascough
Find out more on OneMoreOrbit.com where you can see the live countdown to the launch, currently 5 days 8 hours 45 min. 51 sec away...and counting down to lift-off.
Listen to the interview below:
More from World

'Pro-Palestine marches cross the line into incitement of violence towards Jews'
The SA Jewish Board of Deputies responds to the rise in marches supporting Palestine.
Read More
British man claims wolf spider laid eggs in his toe
A British man claims that a wolf spider laid eggs in his toe while on a holiday cruise in France.
Read More
[WATCH] Child leads slow-speed police chase in stolen forklift
A 12-year-old boy from Michigan stole a forklift, leading to a low-speed police chase.
Read More
Farmer tries to hold energy giant liable for climate crisis in landmark case

Elon Musk visits Israel, social media calls for him to visit Gaza
X CEO Elon Musk visited Israel after allegations that he had been platforming antisemitic content.
Read More
COP28: Inside the UAE, the oil giant hosting 2023 climate change summit

A new mystery illness in China? It is probably NOT the next pandemic
A mystery illness linked to pneumonia is being reported in China.
Read MoreMore from Lifestyle

Black Friday 2023 sales disappoint, and it's not only economic factors to blame

'You're drunk as a skunk, no more wine!' What's staff protocol for drunk guests?
Frieda Stanbridge, a former wine tasting room manager advises on how to deal with inebriated guests.
Read More
Travellers beware! Some Airbnb users have found hidden cameras in their rooms

Faith communities are rallying for the climate – their size, influence count
Faith communities are already acting, but their actions are rarely documented.
Read More
'Kirstenbosch Gardens not in the best condition it could be.' Here's why...
Kirstenbosch Gardens is currently facing criticism from locals and tourists.
Read More