LANGKAWI, March 27 Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak today handed over the ‘Jalur Gemilang’ to Captain James Tan, who, at 21, is attempting to become the youngest solo pilot ever, to circumnavigate the world. With an N81MG Cessna aircraft, his 50-day journey will cover a total distance of 22,000 nautical miles (41,000km) with stopovers at 31 destinations.
In his attempt to break the world record currently held by Swiss national Carlo Schmid, 22, last year, the Hulu Langat-born Tan has set his goal to empower the mind of Malaysian youths through his mission.
“With the 1Malaysia concept, I will try my best to bring global pride to Malaysia. I hope this endeavour will motivate more Malaysian youths to take on world challenges,” he said after receiving the national flag from Najib during the Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace Exhibition (Lima) here.
Last year, he was honoured by the Malaysia Book of Records as ‘The Youngest Malaysian to fly a Single Engine Piston Aircraft in an Expedition’. Tan said his mission could also motivate youths globally to become high achievers. Meanwhile, his father, Tan On Chin, 58, recalled that his son was fascinated with aircraft when he was merely five, and decided to support him to fulfil his dream.
“My wife and I always told him to do the right thing, to do what he wants, and today, I am very glad to see what he has achieved,” he said.
BERNAMA
