2017 Travel News ArchiveTravel

Glider pilot makes it from North Carolina to Montecristi

Cardiologist Douglas Bournigal became the first aviator to arrive on a direct flight from North Carolina to Montecristi. He did so on a Stemme AG sport glider aircraft from North Carolina to Montecristi. The Montecristi airfield was made international for the event. Bournigal was accompanied on the flight by his 85-year old uncle, Lionel Bournigal.

Upon their arrival, they were received by Montecristi province and city authorities, including governor Marcelino Cordero and mayor Luis Méndez. The municipal band played the national anthem to mark the accomplishment and celebrate their safe arrival.

A commission from the Airport Department, including director Marino Collante, and the deputy directors of the Dominican Aviation Institute (IDAC) Johan Estrada and Eliseo Zorrilla. were present. Also Jose Luis Bournigal, president of the Montecristi Tourism Cluster.

Bournigal said he navigated at altitudes from 11,500 to 9,500 feet according to the winds. On the route, when the Bournigals flew over the Bermuda Triangle the flight fell off the radar, causing tense moments for the thousands who were following the flight on social media and on the news.

Bournigal has for years been promoting private plane tourism and sport aviation in the Dominican Republic. There are an estimated 60,000 private plane pilots from the United States and Canada that visit destinations in the Caribbean every year.

Read more in Spanish:
https://www.listindiario.com/la-republica/2017/11/03/489066/piloto-criollo-logra-llegar-en-planeador

7 November 2017