{"id":2043,"date":"2025-10-14T22:02:36","date_gmt":"2025-10-14T14:02:36","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.50xchallenge.info\/cms\/?page_id=2043"},"modified":"2026-02-27T07:09:21","modified_gmt":"2026-02-26T23:09:21","slug":"paramotor-ocean-crossing","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.50xchallenge.info\/cms\/paramotor-ocean-crossing\/","title":{"rendered":"Paramotor Ocean Crossing (Unsupported)"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Perhaps the Biggest Unsupported Open Ocean Crossing Ever Attempted on a Foot-Launch Paramotor<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

TRACKING LINKS
<\/p>Garmin Tracking \u2013 https:\/\/share.garmin.com\/50xChallenge<\/a>
Track ADSB \u2013 N552XC https:\/\/globe.adsbexchange.com\/?icao=a708e9<\/a>
GAGGLE<\/a>

READ THE STORY HARLEY WROTE AFTER COMPLETING THE OCEAN CROSSING<\/a>
<\/cite><\/blockquote><\/figure>\n\n\n

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\"Florida<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

Bio<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Adventure pilot Harley Milne<\/strong> 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In 2022, he completed one of the most difficult trips ever attempted on a foot-launch paramotor in the U.S.\u2014an 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Introduction<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Harley\u2019s latest adventure involved a substantial open-water crossing. He initially planned flights across Lake Michigan\u2014a daunting challenge given the lake\u2019s ability to create its own weather\u2014but it had been done before. So, he began looking for something bigger.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A lake is one thing, but what about the ocean<\/strong>\u2014perhaps a route from Alaska to Russia, or one through regions known for hurricane activity?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Paramotor pilots have \u201cisland-hopped\u201d before. Tucker Gott<\/strong> flew across the Bahama Islands, and Zack Watkins<\/strong> made an impressive flight between the Hawaiian Islands. But a major international ocean crossing<\/strong> would be another level entirely.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Didier Eymin (France)<\/strong> 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. Ram\u00f3n Morillas Salmer\u00f3n<\/strong> 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Overview<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Other paramotor pilots have attempted flights from the U.S. to Cuba but were denied permission. Could there be another way\u2014such as Canc\u00fan to Cuba<\/strong>?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

That route would involve more than 125 miles over open ocean and nearly a total of 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Long overwater routes across the Gulf of Mexico<\/strong> are impractical for international crossings, leaving The Bahamas<\/strong> as the only viable option for an international open-water crossing exceeding 150 miles from the U.S.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It\u2019s hard to top previous global feats, so Harley\u2019s mission will stand apart in two ways: it will be unsupported<\/strong>, and it will cover an exceptional distance between land masses<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Based on current research, an unsupported international foot-launch paramotor crossing<\/strong> of more than 135 miles over open ocean\u2014between land masses and without refueling\u2014has never been achieved<\/strong>. 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Florida to Bahamas (Unsupported)<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Flying across open ocean without seeing land\u2014and doing so unsupported\u2014is a daunting task. Everything must go right, or the consequences could be catastrophic.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Harley\u2019s goal, once again, is to demonstrate that the average person<\/strong> can achieve extraordinary things with determination, preparation, and skill. His plan involves using no special or experimental equipment<\/strong>, only a standard, legal fuel load<\/strong>, a reliable engine<\/strong>, and meticulous planning and execution<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Training Run<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

To prepare for this monumental flight, Harley plans a training run<\/strong>: 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If weather permits, he will attempt the return flight to Florida the same day.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Even this training run carries significant risk and logistical complexity. Successfully completing it would be a major achievement on its own\u2014but Harley aims to go even further.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Go Big or Go Home<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Assuming the training run goes well, Harley plans to attempt a 185-mile direct flight to Nassau<\/strong> on a single legal fuel load, unsupported<\/strong>, from airport to airport.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Media and Advertising Opportunity<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

This event represents a remarkable opportunity for both the sport<\/strong> and the industry<\/strong> to promote innovation, endurance, and brand visibility.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Leveraging media connections and exposure from the 50xChallenge<\/strong>, the goal is to raise global awareness of the mission and its progress.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This is also an excellent opportunity for companies to increase brand recognition<\/strong> through association with this record-setting adventure. The 50xChallenge<\/strong> is currently seeking monetary and equipment sponsorships<\/strong> to help cover the costs of this ambitious expedition.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Key Areas for Support<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
    \n
  • Sponsorship<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • Media<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • Equipment<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • Planning<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • Logistics, Ground Crew, and Advisors<\/strong>
    <\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

    Weather<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    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<\/strong>, depending on optimal weather data.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Safety & Risk<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    The flight carries significant risk due to factors such as weather, mechanical reliability, and oceanic conditions. Aeronautical Decision-Making (ADM)<\/strong> will guide all mission-critical choices, ensuring a systematic approach to safety and problem-solving under dynamic circumstances.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Each element\u2014route, weather, equipment, and logistics\u2014will be carefully evaluated to minimize risk and maximize the chance of success.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Minimum Equipment Requirements<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
      \n
    • Paramotor frame + spare components<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    • Engine(s)<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    • Glider(s)<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    • Reserve parachute<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    • Flight suit<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    • Flight deck<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    • Transponder (ADS-B)<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    • Helmet with aviation and ground crew radio connectivity<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    • Flight fuel<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    • ELT\/EPIRB\/Emergency GPS beacon<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    • Flotation system<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    • Emergency equipment<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    • Emergency crews<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    • Ground and air transportation<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    • Stipend (transportation, accommodations, food)<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    • Other minor equipment<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

      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<\/strong> (Emergency Position-Indicating Radio Beacon) is a top priority.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      There is also a high likelihood of total equipment loss<\/strong> in the event of damage or ditching at sea, further emphasizing the need for reliable backups and support.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      Approximate Costs<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

      $10,000 USD excluding equipment sponsorship<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

      Logistical Hurdles<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

      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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      The remaining major challenge involves developing procedures for emergency ocean ditching and recovery<\/strong> in coordination with appropriate authorities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      Summary<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

      International ocean crossings are monumental undertakings, requiring careful planning, specialized equipment, and dedicated support personnel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      With the right blend of sponsorship, equipment, media coverage, and volunteer support<\/strong>, this expedition will not only push the limits of paramotor flight but also inspire a global audience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      It will be an incredible adventure challenge<\/strong> to witness\u2014and to be part of.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      If you or your company are interested in supporting through sponsorship, equipment, funding, media engagement, logistics, or other resources<\/strong>, please contact: Harley Milne<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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