On June 4th 2004 Simon Oliphant-Hope and the Eastern Atlantic Team commenced an attempt to smash the Around the World 'World Speed Record' in a helicopter routing eastbound.
The Record is currently held by an American pilot named Ron Bower who completed the trip in 24½ days in a Bell Jetranger on July 22nd 1994.
Our objective is to complete the trip in just 19 days in our MD500E helicopter and make the record a British one.
This is actually our second attempt at this record, the first being back in September 2001 when we were well on track to beat the record but were grounded internationally due to the terrorist attacks of September 11th.

Well, this time there was no stopping him! 18 days, 14 hours, 2 minutes, and 27 seconds over a distance of 37,520.217 km. I spoke with Ron Bower after Simon landed and being the great sportsman that he is said 'well, records are there to be broken. I am really proud of him, he did a great job'. The preliminary claims have have been sent and now following our file being sent we must wait for the record to be approved, then we can contact the Guinness Book of World Records.

Simon was treated to a surprise Friday morning. A fishy story was told to lure Simon into a prearranged lift to the airport, and who should the driver turn out to be... Mr. Ron Bower the current holder of the record. Ron is a Gentleman and true sportsman through and through - Ron drove for 9 hours just to drive Simon to the airport (a 10 minute drive), and wish him well with the remainder of his trip.