Polar First Attempts Record-Setting Helicopter Flight

On December 5, 2006 Polar First launched their second attempt to set a record for circumnavigating the globe by way of the North and South Poles. With Blue Sky Network's D1000 flight tracking and telemetry terminal with embedded GPS, Jennifer Murray and Colin Bodill's Bell 407 helicopter will commence their journey maintaining constant communication with on-ground support during the 36,000-mile, 175-day trip.

Polar First crashed during the original attempt in 2003. The Blue Sky Network system and web-based SkyRouter, alerted and directed emergency crews to the exact location of the crash and got them help immediately. The crew believes this solution saved their lives.

"Considering the inherent danger of a flight like this, and our own personal experience, it is a relief to know we can rely on the Blue Sky Network flight tracker to keep us in contact with our crew on the ground at all times, no matter where we are," said pilot Jennifer Murray. Ground staff will have instant access to the exact position of the helicopter, an essential factor in keeping the flight team safe. For more information, review their progress on our Polar First status page, see our press release and for more information on the expedition, see the Polar First website.

Fossett's Record-Breaking Flights with Global Flyer

Blue Sky Network has been a proud sponsor of Steve Fossett's record-breaking flights since 2004, providing him with satellite based flight tracking, voice, mapping, and telemetry solutions.

Thousands of position and telemetry reports (engine data, etc.) and numerous email messages containing updates were passed between the Virgin Atlantic Global Flyer and ground control through the use of BSN's communication equipment and SkyRouter mapping solution. This equipment also facilitated phone interviews between Steve and CBS News, Fox News Channel and CNN during his flight.

We have been honored to be a part of Steve Fossett's pursuit of history-making feats.