The six year anniversary of the first circumnavigation of the world in an aircraft by a father and son has been honoured at a ceremony hosted by Bell at its commercial assembly and delivery centre in Mirabel, Canada.
On 1 July, 2017 WR 'Bob' Dengler and Steven Dengler set out in a Bell 429 to become the first father and son to circumnavigate the world by aircraft. During their 47 day journey, the all-Canadian crew visited popular markers around the world, including every Canadian province and territory that celebrates achievements and events from Canada's history.
Bob Dengler says: “The Bell 429 was the ideal aircraft for our circumnavigation. Its comfort, capacity and reliability made for the perfect mission platform. It performed flawlessly, and it never gave us the slightest hiccup during the entire trip. And everywhere we went, the Bell 429 turned heads. It's a beautiful aircraft.”
The Denglers achieved an award from the Guinness World Record as the 'First Father and Son to Circumnavigate the World by Aircraft', and an award from Exceptional Air Sports Performance for the 'First Canadian Circumnavigation in a Helicopter'.
While honoured to make history, the Denglers' main goal was rooted in their patriotism for Canada and raising proceeds for Canadian veterans and their families.
“Bell is honoured that the Denglers chose the Bell 429 to complete their world flight, and we are proud to have supported them throughout the process. They truly accomplished a great deal with their journey,” says regional sales manager Greg Maitlen. "With the ceremony at Bell's Canada facility, we continue to celebrate their accomplishments.”