Aug 28, 2007 2:30 pm US/Eastern
Historic Pilot Receives 2007 Mayor's Award
Barrington Irving Is 23 Years Old
Youngest Person To Fly Solo Around The World
Journey Took 3 Months
lc
FT. LAUDERDALE (CBS4) ―
A 23-year-old South Florida pilot, who made history when he flew his single-engine plane around the world alone, received a special honor Tuesday afternoon in Broward County.
The Broward County Board of County Commissioners presented Barrington Irving with the 2007 Mayor's Award.
Irving, who became the youngest person to fly solo around the world, in June also lead the Pledge of Allegiance before receiving the award.
"It is important to publicly recognize the talent and ambition of this extraordinary young man," said Mayor Josephus Eggelletion. "He was raised here in South Florida and has, literally, reached great heights. He is a role model and an inspiration."
Irving took off on his historic flight on March 23, 2007 in his single-engine plane dubbed the "Inspiration". During his continent-hopping journey, he covered some 27,000 miles and visited Canada, Portugal, Spain, Italy, Greece, the United Arab Emirates, India, Thailand, China and Japan.
When the 23-year old returned to Miami on June 27, he had set two world records: he is the first person of African descent and the youngest person ever to fly solo around the globe.
Barrington hopes his historic flight will inspire other young people to resist the negative influences of the streets and work toward their dreams. He is now concentrating on Experience Aviation, a nonprofit organization that he created in 2005 that introduces middle and high school students to career opportunities in aviation and aerospace. The group is now developing after-school and weekend programs, and Barrington is thinking of other innovative ideas to pursue in promoting aviation education throughout the nation and the world.
(© MMVII, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
Click to enlarge
Kennedy: I'm Barred From Communion Due To Abortion 50 mins ago
Stumble It!
