Polar Flight 90

From 20.02.2011 to - Status: abandoned

Flying to the North Pole

Last year, Art Mortvedt had to resechedule his flight to the North Pole. This spring, he and his favorite Cessna the Polar Pumpkin are ready and they go for it...

Two factors have caused A. Mortvedt to reschedule his departure to the North Pole until April 2011. Here what he wrote lately : "Upon my return to Alaska, the Polar Pumpkin had a thorough inspection by my excellent aircraft mechanics in Fairbanks. Several maintenance issues were discovered that require attention before the plane is safe for flight across the drifting pack ice of the Arctic Ocean. Second, additional scientific objectives have been added to the flight that require development and testing. In order to maximize flight safety and scientific productivity, it is prudent to delay the flight until 2011.

Art Mortvedt is an Alaskan Bush Pilot, with 5,000 hours flight experience, over 20 expeditions to Antarctica, and 6 seasons of scientific logistics in the North Polar ice pack.

Here is his target : to fly the Polar Pumkin From Alaska, through the Canadian Yukon Territory, the Northwest Territory, and the province of Nunavut to the North Pole & return.

Why he does this

to demonstrate the applicability, practicality, and economy of ski equipped single engine aircraft to Polar Science.
To land the same Cessna 185, N90SN, at both Poles (South Pole Nov. 22, 1999).
To honor the historical contributions of single engine aircraft to Polar Science.
To determine and document effects of Global Warming and Climate Change.
To clarify the critical importance of Polar Regions to science and the health of our planet.