Imagine that you are piloting a plane, the tires squealing as they hit the tarmac of your hometown airport. You are greeted by the arch formed by cannons spewing water and the applause of more than 200 people echoing over the pistons. You've just flown across 48 states in less than 48 hours, which, once verified, should set a world record for the Guinness. That's exactly what Captain Barry Behnfeldt, who flies A350 aircraft for Delta, accomplished. The idea took just over seven months to come to fruition and was sparked by another Delta pilot's attempt to take the record in 2021.
The premise was this: Barry needed to fly across all 48 contiguous US states, landing at a public airport in each of them to officially document that he was there. Timing would begin when the plane left the ground in the first state and end when the final flight landed. And, most importantly, Barry needed a co-pilot. That's where Delta A321 Captain Aaron Wilson came into the picture.
Alumni of the Bowling Green State University School of Aviation, the two Delta pilots met for coffee when Barry pitched his idea to Aaron.
“Aaron is a wonderful man and an excellent driver with a great attitude. So when I needed a second driver I thought of him right away.” Barry said.
Aaron, who has worked at Delta for nearly 10 years, also had experience flying a plane similar to the one Barry would use on the mission, a six-seat 32 Piper Saratoga PA1980R.
“He gave me his introduction and it took me a second to realize he was asking me to come,” Aaron said. “But I was super excited about the idea. The mission was very much my face, so I accepted it right away”.
To complete the team, Barry ed Thomas Twiddy, owner of an FAA-certified repair station 145 who had been in the Navy with Barry, and asked if he could be the onboard technician. His response was also a resounding yes.
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PREPARING FOR THE MISSION
To start the mission, Barry's first step was to plan the route. In his case, finding the fastest way to get from Michigan to Maine, with 47 stops in all contiguous states.
Barry also needed to ensure that at each airport they arrived at, there was a witness present to sign the documents, which occasionally proved challenging for the middle-of-the-night stops.
Fortunately, people were eager to the three pillars of Barry's mission: advancing aviation, inspiring the next generation of pilots, and donating to Veterans Airlift Command, an organization that provides free private air transportation for US veterans wounded in combat for medical purposes or to them for other purposes.
“What started out as a fun cross-country project turned into something much more meaningful in just seven months,” Barry explained.
JUNE 04, 22:29, START OF THE MISSION
Barry, Aaron and Thomas prepared to board the plane and fly to their initial destination of Berrien Springs, Michigan, but not before receiving a proper send-off from friends, family and local fans.
“The manifestation of people from our community was incredible and very welcoming”, said Barry.
“I couldn't believe the number of people who showed up. I haven't seen this many people at the Henry County Airport in a long time."
As they anxiously awaited takeoff time, they went over Barry's "battle rhythm": land the plane, obtain signatures, climb back into the aircraft, and depart.
After taking off towards the west with a flight formation featuring a T34, the crew was officially ready to start their mission.
JUNE 05, 18:53 – 20 HOURS OF MISSION
The journey started off without a hitch, thanks in part to the precise planning by Barry and his team of pilots at the coordination center at Henry County Airport, where they spent day and night doggedly checking the weather and making sure that every destination airport would have adequate staff.
Around 2am, the team got their first surprise. An illuminated number 48 on the side of the hangar greeted them as they flew into Wayne Municipal Airport in Nevada. “It was so cool to see that,” commented Barry. “These sorts of things occurred along the entire route, which increased motivation and kept the adventure exciting.”
After a clear night of flying with the full moon as a backdrop, they began to see pockets of light around Sheridan, Wyoming, providing a breathtaking view of the Rocky Mountains.
“One of my favorite moments was that first morning when the sun was coming up and we were flying into Montana,” recalled Aaron. “It was a surreal experience. Normally, I fly really high to be able to see that, so being close enough to the ground to see those sights was amazing.”.
JUNE 06, 04:50 – 30 HOURS OF MISSION
Another of Barry's goals (in addition to the world record Guinness) was to inspire the next generation of pilots. By chance, the crew had the chance to accomplish this when they landed in Coffeyville, Kansas. The coordination center advised Barry that there was a group waiting for them there, despite it being around 23:30 pm.
“I didn't know what to expect. I was thinking about five to ten people.”, said Barry.
“When we arrived, there were about 50 people, including several children. I said to Aaron and Thomas, 'We have to stop here.' We decided to take a gas break and spend time with everyone.”
Barry grew up with a ion for aviation, citing his father as the person who initially sparked that love in him. He started working at Henry County Airport, in the US state of Ohio, at the age of 17 and, after accumulating 2 flight hours there, he went to the Navy, where he remained for 30 years, and in 17 of them flew F-18 models. Now he has been with Delta for 24 years.
“I want to ignite the spark in someone who is not yet a pilot the same way my father did for me”, shared Barry.
“To look into the eyes of the children of Coffeyville and see that there is potential for a future pilot was very inspiring.”
Barry took 48N48 T-shirts to hand out to people along the way. When he saw the excitement Coffeyville residents were showing for the crew, he handed out all the T-shirts.
JUNE 06, 18:42 – 44 HOURS OF MISSION
As it neared its goal, the team flew along the East Coast to a destination many Delta employees know well: Atlanta. Waiting for them at Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport under the wing of an A321 was Delta's Chief Operating Officer John Laughter, along with other Delta employees, looking forward to welcoming the crew and wishing them all the best. wishes.
“Some people have asked me why I would fly into one of the busiest airports while setting a Guinness World Record”, commented Barry. “Yes, it took some extra time, but being in Atlanta with the Delta family, under the wing of an A321, was worth it.”
Shortly after leaving Atlanta, Barry received a text message from Veterans Airlift Command (VAC) founder and president Walt Fricke. A wounded combat veteran and member of the board's advisory board named Adam Kisielewski wanted to meet the crew in Maryland and bring them lunch. With sandwiches in tow, Adam was there to greet the team and spend time with them.
“I was blown away by Adam's generosity and kindness,” recalled Barry. "He is a young man who lost his left arm and leg in combat while serving our country, and we were honored to be there with him." Through June 24, the nonprofit organization 48N48 had raised $30.048 for VAC. With 10 stops to go, Barry, Aaron and Thomas were down the stretch.
“Getting to that point… I felt relief and excitement”Aaron said. “Relief that everything went according to Barry's plan and excitement that we completed the mission on time. And also relief to be able to sleep in a hotel room at the end of the flight, after having slept in a six-seat plane”.
The coordination team at Henry County Airport watched anxiously as Barry, Aaron and Thomas landed at Portland International Airport, their last stop.
MISSION ACCOMPLISHED - TOTAL TIME: 44:07
The crew returned to Henry County Airport with a huge crowd of local ers. They also had a little fun on their journey home, “drawing” 48N48 in the sky with the plane.
But what about the world record for the Guinness?
"Honestly, we won't officially know for a few months", explained Barry. “But what I do know is that we achieved our goals of advancing aviation, inspiring future pilots and ing VAC. The record may have started the mission, but it ended up taking a backseat to everything else that happened.”
To learn more about the mission and make donations, visit the 48N48 website
