German Pilot Who Flies Across the Globe Lands in the PH
From being an airline captain, Stefan Mommartz now ferries a Cessna 185 Skywagon II as he travels the world alone with nothing but his daily necessities and emergency supplies.
Mommartz started flying from Germany, and from there, the route took him westbound.
He flew from his hometown, stopping over at different countries in Europe and North America, then flew over the Pacific Ocean and the International Date Line, to Eastern Russia, then to Japan, and landed to the Philippines towards the end of August 2018.
The whole flight from Germany to the Philippines took him around two to three weeks to complete.
Landing in the Philippines
“I’m happy to be here.”
Mommartz landed at the Clark International Airport where he was warmly accommodated by the crew of fellow captain and the director of Help Philippine Schools Foundation, Robert T. Wagner. The former said that the world flying community greatly supports each other so it is easy to find helping hands everywhere.
Fellow friends who have been living in the country for decades have helped him through all the difficulties with different permits and requirements in his short stay.
It is Mommartz’ second time in the Philippines, and he is looking forward to coming back again soon.
Promoting Friendship through Diversity
“To promote friendship and camaraderie among the people worldwide and among the pilots and flyers.”
Mommartz said when asked about his goal in his travels.
Having the opportunity and resources to fly around the world, he sees this feat as a personal achievement. He also wants to meet people and learn from the culture of each country he lands on.
A Meaningful Memorial
His last stop before going back to Germany would be in Kota Kinabalu in Borneo, Sabah, Malaysia where he met the original owner and builder of the Skywagon, the late John T. Kounis.
The world-renowned pilot died in 2015. He was a friend to Mommartz and has built a reputation in the aviation industry as an authoritative source for adventurous pilots.
Mommartz wanted to keep his memory alive by flying Kounis’ aircraft around the world.
Upon the Skywagon’s arrival in Sabah, it would’ve completed one world circumnavigation.
Mommartz may be flying with a small aircraft but his accomplishment as a pilot lies in the memories and experiences he made during his flights.
“It’s not so much about the plane to fly, it’s more about the people you meet.”
