North-East Air Navigation Branch Assists Travellers on their Round-the-World Gyro Trip

Magadan, Severo-Evensk, Markovo, Anadyr and Provideniya aerodromes became stopover points on the final leg through Russia for travellers Norman Surplus and James Ketchell as they were circumnavigating the globe in two gyrocopters. The travellers, who had set off from Northern Ireland in mid-April, reached the area of responsibility of State ATM Corporation’s North-East Air Navigation branch by 29 May, after flying across Europe and Russia.

To facilitate the flight, North-East Air Navigation branch decided to send extra experts to Severo-Evensk and Markovo aerodromes to provide assistance and ensure radio communication in English. Their support also proved useful as part of the aircraft ground handling, administrative arrangements (food, accommodation for the pilots, etc.), communication with local residents and the administration.

On 7 June, Surplus’ and Ketchell’s gyrocopters successfully crossed the state border between Russia and the U.S. as the adventurers continued their journey. The next stopover point is Nome aerodrome in Alaska.

For your information: A gyrocopter is a rotorcraft that uses an unpowered rotor in free autorotation to develop lift.

The travellers’ itinerary

Norman Surplus (traveller), A.V. Zhidkov (ATCO in operation, Magadan Flight Control Centre), M.D. Savenko (Lead Engineer, Severo-Evensk division, Magadan ATS centre), James Ketchell (traveller)

Severo-Evensk airport

Norman Surplus (traveller), V.V. Rashkevitch (Senior ATCO in operation, Severo-Evensk division, Magadan ATS centre), James Ketchell (traveller)

Norman Surplus (traveller), V.V. Rashkevitch (Senior ATCO in operation, Severo-Evensk division, Magadan ATS centre)

Refuelling. Severo-Evensk airport 

Markovo airport 

Provideniya Bay airport