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Kirk’s plans to fly for freedom, break records and make films
A former Aboyne Academy pupil will take part in an ambitious bid to set three records over Antarctica next year.
Kirk Watson, originally from Torphins, is one of 12 people preparing for the British Antarctic Microlight Expedition in 2014.
The 36-year-old, who is now based in Aviemore when in Scotland, aims to set records for flying over the Antarctica, the South Pole and Mount Vinson in a microlight plane for the first time.
Vinson is the Antarctic’s highest peak at over 16,000ft.
Alongside four other civilians, Kirk will join seven injured and disabled ex-servicemen and women as they make the gruelling 3000-mile trip to the South Pole.
The “Flying For Freedom” mission allows veterans to experience the freedom of flying microlights in connection with the charity Help for Heroes.
The trek, which is scheduled for next year will involve flying at 10,000ft in temperatures as low as -30C and will take a lot of preparation to deal with the conditions for the mind, body and mobility.
Filmmaker Mr Watson has six years’ experience working in the Antarctica filming for the British Antarctic Survey and on his last trip he shot the first fictional film to be made on the continent.
Horror movie “South of Sanity” was shot entirely in the Antarctic and the cast and crew were made up of fellow British Antarctic Survey contractors and staff.
Before the big adventure, the team will start off by holding test flights in Northern Sweden before making the journey in order to identify modifications that may be needed to ensure their kit survives the extreme temperatures.
The seven veterans have so far recorded video blogs and Kirk will be filming their journey on the ground and in the air for a documentary.
To find out more about the mission, visit http://flyingforfreedom.org/or search “Kirk Watson” on YouTube to find his YouTube Channel where you can keep up with Kirk’s progress.
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Sunday 19 May 2013
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