Unperturbed from surviving a forced landing in the Artic during his first attempt, this summer Sergey Anoanov will once again try and become the first pilot to circumnavigate the globe in a helicopter weighing less than one tonne. In October he will share his, hopefully successful, story at the Helitech International event in London.

Five-time world record holder for achievements including ‘Speed over a recognised course’ and ‘distance without landing flight’, Sergey was 42 days into his first challenge and had just 4,000 miles to go until he reached the end of his round-the-world trip in Moscow. His dream was nearing reality when his Robinson R22 was hit by a transmission problem. As a skilled pilot, he landed the aircraft on water and swam to a nearby iceberg where he was rescued by EMS teams two days later.

Two years on he hopes to achieve his ambition to become the first person to fly across the world in a light helicopter. At Helitech International, Europe’s leading event for the rotorcraft community, Sergey will tell the story of his second attempt for the first time, while also revealing how he battled the elements and avoided polar bears during his failed attempt. 

Rebecca Hearn, Project Manager at Helitech International, commented: “Sergey’s story is remarkable and demonstrates the extraordinary industry that we work within. Firstly, the very fact he survived and could travel so far (34,000 miles) is testament to the strength of the aircraft itself. Secondly, the ability of SAR helicopters to reach remote places and save lives is incredible. And finally, Sergey’s passion for flying is something many of us can relate to.

“We’re delighted he will be joining us at Helitech International this year to talk the rotorcraft community through the planning and safety requirements of his second attempt. We’ll be supporting him every mile of his journey and look forward to welcoming a world record holder to the event in October.”

Anoanov’s story will form part of this year’s highly anticipated Seminar Programme line-up that will run alongside the exhibition. He will be joined by senior representatives from the likes of Leonardo, Airbus, Bell Helicopter, Flight Ascend Consultancy,Waypoint Leasing, the European Helicopter Association and the Aviation Skills Partnership.