River News Now Breaking News Travel

El Paso, Texas - History was made at El Paso International Airport shortly before 7 a.m. today when a Gulfstream G1159B aircraft arrived directly from Russia.

CBP officers cleared the aircraft and five people who made the flight without incident on what organizers described as the first non-stop flight between Russia and El Paso.

The flight was also history making in that organizers were attempting to establish a “speed over a recognized course” flight between Anadyr, Russia and El Paso Texas. The flight covered approximately 3,600 nautical miles in eight hours, which would set records for distance and speed for the class of aircraft. Flight organizers will present specific flight information to the National Aeronautic Association office in Washington and expect record certification shortly.

After being cleared by CBP officers, the pilot shared a number of interesting facts about the flight with a group of well wishers who were on hand to receive the group. The pilot said it was interesting that the flight originated on March 4 and arrived on March 3 because the crew crossed the international dateline during their flight.

Weather was also a factor in the record setting attempt. Had the flight been attempted earlier, extreme cold in Russia would have probably grounded the aircraft. And had it been attempted much later, prevailing winds would have made it impossible for the aircraft to successfully negotiate the distance from near the artic circle to West Texas.

At the conclusion of his remarks, the pilot toasted his well wishers with vodka which was brought directly from Russia and properly declared to CBP. The pilot also thanked CBP officers for their assistance in making the trip possible although CBP officers did not participate in the toast.