At only 16 years old, Mack Rutherford wants to become the youngest microlight pilot to complete a solo world tour.

The Belgian-British teenager took off on Wednesday from Bulgaria for his journey.

"We had to change the route because of the war in Ukraine," explained Mack Rutherford before taking off, dressed in a jumpsuit and a blue baseball cap.

“I no longer go through Russia but through Pakistan, India, China, South Korea and Japan to then reach the United States.

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At only 16 years old, Mack Rutherford, a Belgian-British, took off from Bulgaria on Wednesday in the hope of becoming the youngest microlight pilot to complete a solo round the world #AFP pic.twitter.com/UgWv37sowo

– Agence France-Presse (@afpfr) March 23, 2022

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30 countries in less than three months

The war in Ukraine, however, did not deter the young adventurer, whose sister already took up the same challenge at the age of 19.

Coming from a line of pilots, he took control from the age of 7 and wants to beat the record set in 2021 by the Briton Travis Ludlow, then 18 years old.

"I want to show that it is not necessary to have the majority to do something special", declared Mack Rutherford who will travel 30 countries and four continents in less than three months.

The most difficult thing, according to him, was to convince his parents, who were quite skeptical about his age and his desire to go through with it.

He has promised to return to school afterwards and must pass the baccalaureate in 2023.

Regarding the weather, this is the perfect time to leave: it is not yet too hot in Africa and the weather will be perfect to return to the northern hemisphere.

A little apprehension remains the trip at sea. The parents and the big sister of the young pilot were present for the big departure.

For only company on board, on the passenger seat: his comforting teddy bear.

Miscellaneous facts

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Miscellaneous facts

Côte-d'Or: An autogyro microlight crashes, the 60-year-old pilot dies

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