Learjet flies Polar Mission for a good cause

A Learjet 36A aircraft from Florida-based Global Jetcare has concluded a remarkable journey, taking off from Wichita, Kansas, on April 30 on a global circumnavigation over both the North and South Poles.

Global Jetcare president and CEO Bart Gray was one of four captains on board. This is the second around-the-world flight he has organized to raise funds for restoration of the Classic Lear Jet Foundation’s Lear 23-003 – the first aircraft delivered to a customer back in 1964 and the beginning of the Learjet legacy. 

The Polar Mission required painstaking planning. To get approval for the flight, the pilots had to present a scientific research plan and train to conduct experiments along the way, in conjunction with the National Science Foundation. 

“This polar flight has been in the planning and permitting process for over a year now. It has been one of the most challenging flights, by far, I have ever put together,” said Gray. 

The aircraft completed its north-south trip around the world on May 5, a couple of days longer than expected due to weather delays. The crew returned to a welcome home celebration at Bombardier’s facility in Wichita.  

With close to 2,000 Learjet aircraft in service, Bombardier continues to ensure that all of these iconic business jets are primed and ready for all types of missions – including this one-of-a-kind flight!  

Read more about The Polar Mission and the Classic Lear Jet Foundation.