Teen Pilot’s Solo World Flight to Raise $1M for Cancer Research

At just 19 years old, Ethan Guo is undertaking a remarkable solo flight around the world in his vintage Cessna 182, aiming to raise $1 million for Stage-4 blood cancer research at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in Memphis, Tennessee. Guo, who celebrated his 19th birthday in July 2024, is determined to become the youngest person to complete a solo flight to all seven continents, covering an ambitious 80,000 kilometers (50,000 miles) in 100 days.

Since departing from Memphis in May 2024, Guo has made significant progress. By September 10, 2024, he had already touched down in all 48 contiguous U.S. states and crossed the Atlantic three times, accumulating over 700 flight hours. Currently, Guo is flying through Switzerland as part of his expansive journey. His route will take him through 60 countries, including Egypt, Saudi Arabia, India, and Indonesia, before he heads to Australia, the Philippines, China, Japan, and then crosses the northern Pacific to Alaska. Afterward, he will traverse Canada and the U.S. before concluding his journey in South America and Antarctica.

Guo’s passion for aviation began at the age of 13, and he earned his private pilot’s license by 17. He was inspired to break the world record for the youngest solo circumnavigator after learning that the previous record-holder was also 19. “Discovering the joy and knowledge in aviation was exhilarating. I wanted to combine my passion with a purpose, aiming to set a new record while raising awareness and funds for a cause close to my heart,” Guo explained.

To prepare for this extraordinary journey, Guo customized his Cessna 182 by removing the rear seats to make space for an extra fuel tank. The aircraft is equipped to fly up to 17 hours at speeds of 140–150 knots, and features a satellite connection with his ground team as well as three emergency locator transmitters for safety.

This daring flight is motivated by a deeply personal connection to cancer. Guo’s cousin was diagnosed with stage-4 Hodgkin’s lymphoma, which profoundly impacted him. “Watching cancer affect my family made me determined to contribute to cancer research and support those battling this disease,” Guo shared. His efforts are focused on both raising funds and inspiring others through his journey.

Guo is also sharing his experiences on TikTok, aiming to inspire others by demonstrating how one can challenge the impossible and push boundaries. “I hope that by documenting my journey and highlighting the impact of cancer worldwide, I can help raise awareness and support for those in need,” he said.

As of September 11, 2024, Guo has successfully raised $37,870 towards his $1 million goal, reflecting the strong support and encouragement from his growing community of backers.