Perhaps the Biggest Unsupported Open Ocean Crossing Ever Attempted on a Foot-Launch Paramotor
Bio
Adventure pilot Harley Milne is known for his ambitious cross-country challenges. He was the first paramotor pilot to fly in all 50 U.S. states, setting a Guinness World Record, and later flew 2,200 miles coast-to-coast across the USA in a supported trip completed in just eight days.
In 2022, he completed one of the most difficult trips ever attempted on a foot-launch paramotor in the U.S.—an unsupported flight from Sonoma to Oshkosh for EAA AirVenture in just six days (1,900 miles). The route crossed two mountain ranges exceeding 10,000 feet in elevation, with launch altitudes as high as 8,000 feet.
Introduction
Harley’s next adventure involves a substantial open-water crossing. He initially planned flights across Lake Michigan—a daunting challenge given the lake’s ability to create its own weather—but it had been done before. So, he began looking for something bigger.
A lake is one thing, but what about the ocean—perhaps a route from Alaska to Russia, or one through regions known for hurricane activity?
Paramotor pilots have “island-hopped” before. Tucker Gott flew across the Bahama Islands, and Zack Watkins made an impressive flight between the Hawaiian Islands. But a major international ocean crossing would be another level entirely.
Didier Eymin (France) successfully completed a 5-hour, 20-minute flight across the Mediterranean to Corsica, which included in-flight refueling via a 10-meter hose from a support boat. Ramón Morillas Salmerón also holds the FAI distance-in-a-straight-line-without-landing record (April 23, 2007), which included open-ocean flight. These are truly impressive feats.
Overview
Other paramotor pilots have attempted flights from the U.S. to Cuba but were denied permission. Could there be another way—such as Cancún to Cuba?
That route would involve more than 125 miles over open ocean and nearly another 210 miles to Havana. No other foot-launch paramotor pilot has ever attempted such a journey. Unfortunately, current political and logistical constraints make this option unfeasible.
Flying directly from the U.S. to another country appears to be the most practical way to simplify international logistics for an ultralight aircraft. In 2021, Harley planned to fly from Alaska to Russia, but the onset of the war in Ukraine quickly ended those plans.
Long overwater routes across the Gulf of Mexico are impractical for international crossings, leaving The Bahamas as the only viable option for an international open-water crossing exceeding 150 miles from the U.S.
It’s hard to top previous global feats, so Harley’s mission will stand apart in two ways: it will be unsupported, and it will cover an exceptional distance between land masses.
Based on current research, an unsupported international foot-launch paramotor crossing of more than 135 miles over open ocean—between land masses and without refueling—has never been achieved. While a 185-mile distance is theoretically achievable, doing so entirely over water poses extraordinary risks, especially when factoring in the unsupported nature of the flight and international boundaries.
Florida to Bahamas (Unsupported)
Flying across open ocean without seeing land—and doing so unsupported—is a daunting task. Everything must go right, or the consequences could be catastrophic.
Harley’s goal, once again, is to demonstrate that the average person can achieve extraordinary things with determination, preparation, and skill. His plan involves using no special or experimental equipment, only a standard, legal fuel load, a reliable engine, and meticulous planning and execution.
Training Run
To prepare for this monumental flight, Harley plans a training run: a nonstop flight from Florida to The Bahamas, crossing approximately 88 miles of open water, with a total flight distance of about 120 miles to land at an approved international airport.
If weather permits, he will attempt the return flight to Florida the same day.
Even this training run carries significant risk and logistical complexity. Successfully completing it would be a major achievement on its own—but Harley aims to go even further.
Go Big or Go Home
Assuming the training run goes well, Harley plans to attempt a 185-mile direct flight to Nassau on a single legal fuel load, unsupported, from airport to airport.
Media and Advertising Opportunity
This event represents a remarkable opportunity for both the sport and the industry to promote innovation, endurance, and brand visibility.
Leveraging media connections and exposure from the 50xChallenge, the goal is to raise global awareness of the mission and its progress.
This is also an excellent opportunity for companies to increase brand recognition through association with this record-setting adventure. The 50xChallenge is currently seeking monetary and equipment sponsorships to help cover the costs of this ambitious expedition.
Key Areas for Support
- Sponsorship
- Media
- Equipment
- Planning
- Logistics, Ground Crew, and Advisors
Weather
Planning will incorporate input from a meteorologist to analyze both historical patterns and current conditions. The target windows for the attempt are December 2025 – January 2026, depending on optimal weather data.
Safety & Risk
The flight carries significant risk due to factors such as weather, mechanical reliability, and oceanic conditions. Aeronautical Decision-Making (ADM) will guide all mission-critical choices, ensuring a systematic approach to safety and problem-solving under dynamic circumstances.
Each element—route, weather, equipment, and logistics—will be carefully evaluated to minimize risk and maximize the chance of success.
Minimum Equipment Requirements
- Paramotor frame + spare components
- Engine(s)
- Glider(s)
- Reserve parachute
- Flight suit
- Flight deck
- Transponder (ADS-B)
- Helmet with aviation and ground crew radio connectivity
- Flight fuel
- ELT/EPIRB/Emergency GPS beacon
- Flotation system
- Emergency equipment
- Emergency crews
- Ground and air transportation
- Stipend (transportation, accommodations, food)
- Other minor equipment
Harley already possesses much of the required equipment. However, his current frames and engines, while serviceable, are aging and may require replacement soon. The ADS-B beacon will likely need upgrading to meet international standards, and acquiring a new EPIRB (Emergency Position-Indicating Radio Beacon) is a top priority.
There is also a high likelihood of total equipment loss in the event of damage or ditching at sea, further emphasizing the need for reliable backups and support.
Approximate Costs
TBD
Logistical Hurdles
Most logistical requirements for crossing from Florida to The Bahamas are well understood. Harley has secured experienced partners to help navigate these processes and remains confident in eventual success.
The remaining major challenge involves developing procedures for emergency ocean ditching and recovery in coordination with appropriate authorities.
Summary
International ocean crossings are monumental undertakings, requiring careful planning, specialized equipment, and dedicated support personnel.
With the right blend of sponsorship, equipment, media coverage, and volunteer support, this expedition will not only push the limits of paramotor flight but also inspire a global audience.
It will be an incredible adventure challenge to witness—and to be part of.
If you or your company are interested in supporting through sponsorship, equipment, funding, media engagement, logistics, or other resources, please contact:Harley Milne
