At 0930 UTC Michel once again took the Sky Polaris RV-8 into the skies above the Atlantic Ocean. This time he was heading for another small island in the Atlantic, Canarias, a group of Spanish Islands off the coast of Morocco.

After about 3 hours flying, the Spidertracks tracking stopped displaying Michel’s progress. Peter Schneider in Germany was the first to notice and messaged Sky Polaris HQ in the U.S. to ask the status of the aircraft. We quickly called Michel’s satellite phone and thankfully he answered right away. He was right over Gran Canaria, however he was trying to solve a lack of hydraulic pressure in his brakes so he did not have time to speak much, but was aware of the Spidertracks problem.

About 1 hour later, Michel called to let us know he was safely on the ground at Lanzarote Airport (GCRR) on the island of Lanzarote.

Michel landed the RV-8 with NO BRAKES, but was able to safely turn off the runway into a taxiway and shut down the engine.  Both pilot and EC-XLL are now on the airport with no incident. This is purely due to the enormous skill of the pilot and the capabilities of the RV-8!

Before takeoff from Cabo Verde, Michel did check the brakes and the brake fluid level, and all was tested OK. Obviously there is a hydraulic leak that only happens when the aircraft is flying. Michel’s technical skills as well as technicians at the airport will quickly find and fix this dangerous problem.

But the very important point of this landing is the Michel IS NOW ON SPANISH SOIL! He is not exactly home, but will be in a few more legs of the flight.

Lanzarote, Canaris